Accelerated Reader Program

St. James Students are required to participate in the Accelerated Reader (AR) program. This program allows your child to read independently and take a quiz based on the book. The results let the teachers know how well your child retains what they are reading and at what level they are comfortable reading.

What does the level mean?

You will notice on the spine of your child's library book the reading level (RL) #.#. The first number tells us the grade level and the second number tells us what month of the grade level the book is geared for. For example: a reading level RL 2.5 translates to second grade fifth month. Your second grader began their accelerated reader experience with a range level of 1.5 to 2.5, first grade fifth month to second grade fifth month. With the help of staff we have been able to work with each individual child to determine if their reading level should be adjusted. No one wants a child to be under-challenged or over- challenged. Each child's reading level is as individual as the child.

What is the quiz like?

The quizzes are anywhere from 5 to 10 questions with multiple choice type answers. The questions are based on what was going on in the book. The questions are designed to test your child's retention of the reading material. The children like to take the quizzes and look forward to knowing their score. This is done as soon as all the questions are answered. If your child does get a wrong answer, they can go back and look at the question and compare their answer with the correct answer. Once they take the quiz on their book they cannot retake the quiz. The purpose is to try to beat their best and to zero in on their reading comfort level. This is an ongoing process for your child and you. 

Star Reading Program

Star Reading is a component of our Accelerated Reading Program. Star Reading scores represent how students performed on the test compared with the performances of nationally representative sample of students, called the norms group.  These scores present a snapshot of achievement at a specific point in time.  Students in grades 1-8 will be tested during each semester.  These scores help guide the teacher and student to appropriate reading levels.  Scores will be sent home with each student.