Accelerated Reader™ (AR)

Gethsemane uses the Accelerated Reader™ program, which is a computerized reading management system. Students select a book to read from a recommended book list. The AR system assigns a point value to each book based on the number of words, number of syllables in words, and sentence complexity.

After choosing a book and reading it, the student goes to a computer in the classroom, computer lab, or library and takes a test consisting of objective questions about important facts in the book. The computer scores the test, awards the student points based on test performance, and keeps a complete record of results. The student must score at least 60 percent on the test to earn any points.

Gethsemane teachers assign objectives for the number of points to be achieved, and they monitor student performance through various teacher reports provided by the Accelerated Reader software. Summer reading is encouraged, and students are provided access to computer systems to take AR tests during the summer as well as during the school year.