The Accelerated Reader (AR) point system assigns values to books based on their length and difficulty.
Understanding AR Points
The AR point system is designed to reward students for reading books that are both challenging and lengthy. Here's a breakdown:
- Word Count: Longer books generally receive more points than shorter ones.
- Text Difficulty (Book Level): More difficult texts are also worth more points than easier ones.
- Point Values: The points a book is worth are a combination of the length and text difficulty.
How Points are Assigned
| Book Type | Typical Point Range | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Picture Books | 0.5 points | Usually very short and easy books. | The Very Hungry Caterpillar |
| Short Chapter Books | 5-10 points | Longer and more complex than picture books. | Many early reader chapter books |
| Longer Chapter Books | 10+ points | Further complexity and length leads to greater point allocation. | Longer novels and series books |
Key Factors Influencing Points:
- Length: Books with higher word counts are assigned more points to reflect the time and effort involved in reading them.
- Book Level: Books are assigned a level of difficulty. The higher the level, the more points it will be worth, assuming word count is relatively consistent.
- Combined Impact: A short book with a very high reading level might still be less points than a long book with a moderate reading level. Both of these elements influence the points awarded.
Why Use AR Points?
The AR point system is used for a variety of reasons:
- Motivation: To encourage students to read more and tackle challenging texts.
- Progress Tracking: To help teachers and students track reading progress.
- Goal Setting: To provide students with goals to strive for, relating to the type and volume of material read.
- Accountability: To provide a means of measuring reading engagement and comprehension.
Final Notes
The AR points are an approximation and may vary. The main goal of the point system is to create a system that encourages more difficult texts and a higher volume of reading by the students.
