Ensuring students are successfully engaged with reading materials requires guidance and continuous monitoring from educators. Matching reading materials to students is a 4-step process: 1) estimate text readability; 2) measure student reading ability; 3) determine the appropriate reading range for independent reading and; 4) continuously monitor comprehension and adjust book levels and genre. Accelerated Reader provides educators with research-based tools to help with this process: ATOS, a highly accurate measure of text readability specifically designed for books, combined with the Goal-Setting Chart, creates an open system that provides educators with the tools for matching books to students. The Goal-Setting Chart links a grade-equivalent measure of student reading ability from any norm-referenced reading test to the appropriate reading ranges. Best classroom practices for continuous monitoring using Accelerated Reader help teachers ensure that students are reading books with a high level of success and comprehension. Each step and the appropriate tools are described in detail. Comparisons to other readability systems, including Lexile, are highlighted.

Publication Date: 08/01/2000

Updated: 09/27/2007

Literature Number: L2236