Accelerated Reader – Program Guide

    At the Races

    The Accelerated Reader Program (AR) is a computerized reading comprehension program that combines technology and research to motivate and increase independent reading. The 32-week program, sponsored by the PTA, is offered to first through fifth graders. AR is an optional enrichment program, but all students are encouraged to participate in order to build reading and comprehension skills. To make the program more fun and engaging for the students, we use a racing theme to track progress.

    AR Lists

    The rules and procedures for the program are as follows:

    Start Your Engines

    1. A student either reads or has a book read to him/her from the AR book list of over 7,500 books.Parents can help their students select AR book titles by doing a book search from the PTA’s website. Check out the Accelerated Reader information under the “PTA Programs” tab on the PTA’s website at oceepta.org. The AR book list will let you find books by title, author, reading level range or points value range from separate lists. AR books are located in the classroom, the Media Center, and at local public libraries. The NE Spruill Oaks Regional Library has binders with printed AR books lists for you to use to select AR books from their library. AR books in the Media Center will have both an Orange Dot and a Blue AR sticker on the spine. The reading level and points value of the book are listed on the inside of the front cover. School librarians can be helpful and give instructions to students on how to make AR book selections.

    2. In order to assist your child with book selection, second through fifth graders will be taking a Star Reader assessment at school over the coming weeks. This test determines your child’s independent reading level, which is sometimes lower than your child’s instructional reading level at school. Parents will be informed of their student’s reading level so they can help in choosing books. Students may read books at any AR reading level, though it is suggested that they read on or around their current reading level. The AR reading level should be used as a guide, as there are many age or grade level appropriate books that may be below the student’s reading level.

    3. After reading a book, a student can take a computerized test, answering simple multiple-choice questions that check recall of basic facts and events in the book. Students may test in the school’s computer lab before school from 7:10-7:35 a.m. Teachers will determine the best times for taking tests on the computers in their classroom.

    4. After completing the test, the student receives a point score based on the difficulty level of the book, and the number of questions he/she answers correctly. The computer program tracks each student’s points, reading level and test percentages. This is valuable information for teachers, as well as the basis for various rewards at school.

    Victory Lane

    Students who participate will find a racecar with their name on the Accelerated Reader Racetrack in the hall outside the gym. Students’ racecars will be advanced to the next lap based on earned points. Students will receive special incentives when they move to the next lap. Top participants will receive additional recognition. Furthermore, classes will be rewarded for 100% participation.

    Please encourage your children to take part in this fun and rewarding program and most importantly, Join the Race and Read!

    Racetrack Points by Grade

    1st lap2nd lap3rd lap4th lap5th lapAll-Stars
    1st gradeup to 2.9pts3 to 9.9 pts10 to 22.9pts23 to 39.9pts40 to 69.9pts70+ pts
    2nd gradeup to 4.9pts5 to 19.9pts20 to 39.9pts40 to 59.9pts60 to 89.9pts90+ pts
    3rd gradeup to 7.9pts8 to 24.9pts25 to 49.9pts50 to 79.9pts80 to 119.9pts120+ pts
    4th gradeup to 9.9pts10 to 29.9pts30 to 54.9pts55 to 89.9pts90 to 139.9pts140+ pts
    5th gradeup to 11.9pts12 to 34.9pts35 to 59.9pts60 to 99.9pts100 to 149.9pts150+ pts

    2011-2012 Rewards

    1. For lap 1, the student’s car is placed on the track.
    2. For lap 2, the student receives an Ocee AR pencil and a Shane’s Rib Shack coupon bookmark.
    3. For lap 3, the student receives a Chick-fil-A ice cream coupon bookmark and a gel wristband.
    4. For lap 4, the student receives an Ocee Otter flying disk.
    5. For lap 5, the student chooses one reward from the rewards list shown below.
    6. For All-Stars Level, the student will receive a ribbon and additional recognition at the All-Stars Breakfast which is held at the end of the school year in May.
    7. Students will receive an award each time the track is updated and they move forward to the next lap.
    8. The Racetrack will be updated every 4-5 weeks, and students will move up based on points earned.
    9. Students must read one book and pass the test (70%) to reach lap 1 and be placed on the racetrack.

    Rewards List for Lap 5

    1. Afternoon announcements with the Principal (2 days)
    2. Behind the scenes tour with the Assistant Principal
    3. Homeroom Teacher (1/2 Day)
    4. Admin Team Office Assistant (1 hour)
    5. Art Assistant (1/2 day)
    6. P.E. Assistant (1/2 day)
    7. Music Assistant (1/2 day)
    8. Guest Reader for K or 1st grade class (only available to 2nd through 5th graders)
    9. Lunch with a teacher of your choice (teacher must be in grade level or Specials)
    10. Lunch with the Principal
    11. Lunch with the Counselor
    12. Media Center Assistant (1 hour)
    13. AR spotlight on Otter Talk – Guest appearance and book review

    2011-2012 AR Calendar

    DateActivityDateActivity
    2-SepPresentations in 1st grade classrooms3-Feb4th period ends
    6-SepProgram begins10-FebTrack updated
    7-Oct1st period ends2-Mar5th period ends
    14-OctTrack updated12-MarTrack updated
    11-Nov2nd period ends10-Apr6th period ends (Program ends)
    18-NovTrack updated20-AprTrack updated--Final
    22-Dec3rd period ends8-MayAll-Stars Ceremony and Breakfast
    11-JanTrack updated

    For more information about the AR Program, please contact us.