Accelerated Reader

We Have Accelerated Reader Enterprise!
That means we have every AR test!

What is Accelerated Reader? Reading is a skill, and like every other skill, it requires practice. The more you read, the better you become at reading. Our Accelerated Reader (AR) Program is based on the fundamental principle that practice improves reading. It combines the power of computer technology with sound teaching strategies.

To help achieve this skill, Mary Lee Elementary students read certain books and take computerized AR tests. The program assigns points for proficiency and monitors students’ achievement. There are various rewards and prizes presented throughout the school year for students as they progress toward their individual AR point goals. Although the selected books can be found anywhere, students may only test on titles which have a corresponding AR test. There are currently over 300,000 tests and about 30,000 new tests are added each month. You can check if a book has an AR test at this website

What is the STAR test? The STAR test is a computerized reading assessment for first through fifth grades and is given at the beginning of the school year to determine reading levels for the AR program. Assessments are also given at the middle and end of the school year. These tests provide valuable diagnostic information about a student’s reading abilities and growth. The STAR test will tell teachers your child’s Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD).

What is my child’s ZPD? ZPD stands for Zone of Proximal Development. This is a student’s reading level range of AR books. ZPD is determined by the STAR test. For optimal success your student is asked to only take AR tests within their ZPD range.

MLCES AR Book Color Chart