Accelerated Reader is a powerful tool to encourage reading for pleasure and track the amount of reading pupils are doing at home. Pupils read books then do quizzes on them to gain points and certificates based on the amount of points and number of books read.
How are books rated?
Each book is given a points rating dependent on its length and the complexity of ideas and vocabulary. Pupils are tested and given a reading level; they are then encouraged to read books from within that level from the school library. This ensures that pupils are reading texts that are sufficiently challenging, without risking them becoming disengaged by reading material which is too difficult.
How much should pupils be reading?
Obviously, the more time a pupil spends reading the better they will do both in terms of points and in terms of developing their reading skills. In S1 and S2 reading forms the basis of their English homework. We expect pupils to be reading between 20 and 30 minutes each night. This programme has shown significant results in improving literacy skills and the benefits transfer to improved performance in senior phase exams.