Accelerated Reader is a powerful tool designed to meet the individual reading needs of every pupil. It is most effective when the school and home work together to promote individual reading. Accelerated Reader is used for all children in KS2 and Higher Attaining pupils in Y2. This page is designed to support parents in understanding the Accelerated Reading Programme. 

How It Works

1) Star Reading

Every half-term, pupils take a reading assessment called a “STAR TEST”. This is a computerised reading test which is used to identify the pupil's reading age. Based on this reading age, the pupils will receive a special score, which corresponds to a ‘ZPD’ (zone of proximal development).  The children select books based on their individual ZPD, which may cross different ‘book bands’ or levels of difficulty. This is very helpful as it helps students select books that are difficult enough to keep them challenged, but not too difficult to cause frustration.

2) Targets

The children have individual targets set to achieve per half term.  These are generated by the programme, based on their reading age.  Therefore, a more able reader or older child will have a higher target than a younger or struggling reader.  The first target is to read enough books and pass enough quizzes to pass their points target.  The child must score above 85% average of accuracy in quizzes taken and they must read books that are within their ability, i.e. not books that are too easy.

3) The Accelerated Reader Book Quiz

Once the child has read a book, they can log in at school and complete a quiz on the book they have just read.  This quiz will check for their understanding and comprehension of the text.  This is important, as only quizzes passed will help accumulate points towards their targets.  The quiz is marked automatically and the children can see when they log in their progress across all targets. If the test is passed, it will go towards their accumulative ‘word count’. The first child in KS2 to 1 million words will receive a special prize in assembly!

4) Celebrating Achievement

All children are rewarded for any reading completed at home. Whilst we endeavour to hear the children read regularly in school, especially as the children become more independent and fluent, it will be vital for them to record all their reading. There are book marks, notebooks, pens, books to keep and book tokens for the greatest bookworms, so it really is worth doing extra reading when they can. Remember, reading unlocks the world around them!

5) What about reading at home and your own books?

Some of the older children have asked if their own books at home can count towards Accelerated Reader. The answer is, most of the time, yes! What you have to do is go to https://www.arbookfind.co.uk/ and check to see if your book is there. Check the ZPD is within your range, but if it's not and you're enjoying it, you can still read it and do the quiz after!