How does Accelerator Reader (AR) work?  Each child is given a reading test.  This test gives us the reading level of that child.  These reading levels are represented by color dots on each book.  These dots lets the child and the teacher know which books the child can read independently.  We let each child go up and down one level.  When a child reads a book he or she take a quiz, if they pass the quiz they earn points.  We also use the reading test to set a goal for that child.  These goals are determined by the reading test scores and are set by the AR program.  At the end of the year we retake the reading test to see if there is growth.  If a student has read to meet his or her goal, we see considerable growth. We have seen as much as two years of growth in some students.  Remember each child will grow at a different rate. 

Why all the concerns about students reading at different levels?  Each student is exposed to different vocabulary during their lives and develops words they use in speech and writing.  By expanding the vocabulary level of each student grows in all academic areas.

This is the goal-setting chart we use for 4th and 5th at Stonewall Jackson Elementary School.

ZPD (Zone of Proximal Development):  The Zone of Proximal Development defines the reading level range from which a student should be selecting books for optimal growth in reading without frustration. 

Now for an example a student is at 2.8 ZPD.  What does this mean and what is the goal for this child?  I will be using the chart below and if you review it, the explanation should make sense.