Source: http://glossary.plasmalink.com/glossary.html
Accelerated Reader (AR) is a commercially produced reading program that includes quizzes administered via computer and student selection of books. This instructional strategy provides practice with a purpose. Typically found within elementary and middle schools, this instructional strategy encourages students to read books and then test their knowledge via a multiple-choice format on their schools computer. Schools typically provide additional incentive for students by creating a reward system based on the number of books and/or points a students receives over the course of a week or month. I recall in my elementary school an enourmous schoolwide celebration both at the begining of the year and end, in order to encourage AR as a schoolwide program and within all classrooms. Each month there would be contests for classrooms to compete and see who could read the most books, while passing the AR tests. It got students excited about reading, and allowed students to see that reading can both a rewarding and enjoyable experience. This instructional strategy also leaves room for a variety of goals to be implemented according to a students ability. Students who many not read on their grade level, or need assistance with reading can still take part in this program successfully. Accelerated Reader (AR) also provides daily information about student reading to teachers. It makes it easy to continuously monitor comprehension, track the time students spend reading, and differentiate reading practice. A student’s data profile is complete only when it goes beyond test scores, showing the full picture—reading achievement data and how well, how much, and at what difficulty level students are reading. This assists teachers in monitoring students, their progress, and areas that they may need assistance in. Overall, Accelerated Reading gives students, teachers, and families an opportunity to take part in the reading process and help achieve goals for their student, their student's classroom, and their school making the program collaborative amongst the entire community.