Accelerated Reader is a computer based program that is part of the Renaissance Learning platform.  Students take the Star Test periodically in order to assess current levels of proficiency.  After taking the Star Test, students are given a range that is used as a guide for selecting books that will best facilitate additional reading growth.  After students read their books, they are then able to take brief quizzes about the content that was read. As with levels, each book is assigned a point value, and points earned from quizzes are based on the percentage of accuracy.

Classroom teachers collaborate with Mrs. Messina in order to create individual goals for each student that must be earned by the end of each 9 week grading period, in order to participate in quarterly celebrations.  As motivation to reach individual goals, Mrs. Messina gives out charms, for every 10 points, that students earn, and she creates special celebrations for students who reach quarterly goals, on time. Classroom teachers do not require students to earn a set number of points, for a grade.  However, teachers do have instructional freedom to select individual AR quizzes to assign to students, if the text has been a part of the ELA classroom instruction, and the scores obtained from these quizzes may be used as TSA grades.

In order to meet the requirements of one's quarterly goals, students must earn points towards goals by reading books within the students' ranges.  After reaching individual goals, students may read anything desired, regardless of level.  They may also take quizzes on books that are not on the students' level, once the goals are met.  For example, if a student needs to earn 20 points in order to reach his/her goal, he/she needs to take quizzes on only books within the student's range until 20 points are earned. If the student earns this goal, with a bit of time still left in the quarter, he/she could challenge himself/herself by reading and taking quizzes on harder books.  On the other hand, if a student wishes to read an easier book , and take the quiz, that is allowed, as long as the goal was met with books read from the student range.

Students are not required to participate in AR, but experience has shown that students who meet their goals quarterly, become stronger readers.