Accelerated Reader (AR) is a programme that helps teachers manage and monitor independent reading.
The programme allows pupils to:
Passing a quiz shows that a pupil has understood the book and is reading successfully at an appropriate level.
How Teachers Support Pupils
Teachers support pupils by:
Because pupils read books matched to their reading level and interests, they are more likely to enjoy reading and experience success.
What is STAR Reading?
STAR Reading is an online assessment that helps determine your child's reading level.
STAR Reading:
If a pupil answers correctly, the questions become more challenging. If a pupil struggles, the difficulty decreases.
This information helps staff recommend books that are appropriately challenging.
Understanding Your Child's Reading Level
What is a ZPD?
ZPD stands for Zone of Proximal Development.
This is the range of books that will:
✅ Provide appropriate challenge
✅ Support progress
✅ Build confidence
✅ Avoid frustration
Following each STAR Reading assessment, pupils receive a personalised ZPD range.
We encourage all pupils to select books from within their ZPD range whenever possible.
What is a Book Level?
Book Levels are measured using the ATOS readability formula.
Levels range from:
0.2 to 13.5
Book levels reflect factors such as:
Book levels help pupils select texts that are suitably challenging.
What is an Interest Level?
Interest Levels identify the age group for which a book's content and themes may be most suitable.
These are recommendations only and parents should always use their own judgement when supporting book choices.
For example:
A children's story and a young adult novel may have a similar reading level but very different content and themes.
What are AR Points?
Every Accelerated Reader book is assigned a points value.
Points are based largely on the length of the book.
Pupils earn a proportion of the points available depending on their quiz score.
Points help to reward regular reading and celebrate achievement.