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How does the AR program work?

Step 1: Students take the STAR reading comprehension test. This timed, 25-question test is designed to evaluate a students reading comprehension only. Students may ask to have any or all questions read to them by a teacher or parent helper. Test questions begin at a level appropriate for the students grade level. The test is designed to increase in difficulty when questions are answered correctly and get easier when questions are answered incorrectly. No two tests are the same. (Students are tested at the start of the school year and again at the start of the 3rd quarter)

Step 2: The STAR testing program evaluates the results and generates a personal reading zone for each student. known as the ZPD (Zone of Proximal Development) Example ZPD 2.4 - 3.7; students use these numbers to help them select books in the library. Books in the library are marked with similar numbers.

Step 3: Teachers set individual goals for each students based on their ZPD. Student goals are designed to challenge the student, yet still maintain success when testing.

The School Library Role

The library staff purchases and maintains the AR book and test inventory. The school currently has complete access to every AR test available. Each book is marked with its reading level (example 3.2) on the spine of the book. Each book also has a point value as well. Students are encouraged to only read within their zone, in order to maintain success when testing. Students may take AR tests during library visits or in their classroom..

Tests

All tests are multiple choice and vary in length based on the length of the book. Tests are either 5, 10 or 20 questions. Students receive all points possible for a book when they receive a 100% test result, no points for a 60% or less result, and a portion of the possible points for results in between.

Goals

Goals vary according to grade level. See below.

Kindergarten:  80% average on all tests taken in a quarter.

1st and 2nd Grade: 80% average on all tests taken in a quarter and each student has a personal book number goal.

3rd Grade: 85% average on all tests taken in a quarter and each student has a personal point goal.

4th and 5th Grade: 85% average on all tests taken in a quarter and each student has a personal point goal. (these goals are part of their classroom grade)

6th, 7th and 8th Grade: 85% average on all tests taken in a quarter, each student has a personal point goal and a personal book level goal. (these goals are part of their classroom grade)