ACCELERATED READER Accelerated Reader is produced and distributed by Advantage Learning Systems, Inc. This company provides a similar product for elementary mathematics ("Accelerated Math"). Accelerated Reader combines the reading of "leveled" children's literature with software. "Leveling" means determining the approximate reading difficulty of a title. The software also manages student reading records and tracks reading performance. Each student selects his or her own reading material from a collection of school library/book room titles appropriate to his/her

reading level. When a book has been read, the student

is tested at his/her own speed by means of a computerized

multiple-choice test. Questions focus on

remembering details of the plot of the story. The

program provides an instant score, which can be an

immediate reinforcement to the student. Students gain

points from their score(s) and continue to accumulate

points for prizes from Grades 1 through 6. More recently,

a secondary school series has been developed. In addition,

a separate series of Accelerated Reader software is available

that includes questions that focus on using more sophisticated

critical thinking ("information literacy"). While this computer

software program was most commonly mentioned in the survey of successful reading

programs in New Mexico Public Schools, it does not attempt to provide direct reading instruction or intervention strategies. It also requires access to a well stocked and "leveled" school library or book room of children's literature titles, the costs of which are not included in the cost of the Accelerated Reader program. The Accelerated Reader program is based on three steps:

 

 

Step 1. Student Reads a Book. The student selects and reads a book from more than 19,000 popular titles (providing that the school collection has these titles). The titles range in difficulty from first grade through high school. Included are "high/low" selections for hesitant and remedial readers, selections of traditional classics, national bestsellers, and other current recommended titles. Teachers may elect to set aside time during scheduled class periods or to assign independent reading time.

 

Step 2. Student Takes a Quiz. After reading the chosen book, the student takes a quiz on the computer. Each 5-, 10-, or 20-question multiple-choice quiz is designed to verify that the student has read the book. The computer instantly reveals how many questions the student has answered correctly, and awards reading points in that student's name, based on the book's length, reading level, and number of correct answers.

 

Step 3. Student/Teacher Receive Report. Both the student and the teacher receive immediate, individualized feedback regarding student comprehension of literature that can help to direct ongoing reading practice. The reports help the teacher evaluate each student's progress in comparison with a standard scale developed by Advantage Learning Systems.