At Ballinger Elementary, we have found Accelerated Reader© to be a very exciting educational tool.  This program utilizes computer technology, the library, and a student reward system that encourages reading in most students.  As educators, we strive to instill in our students the desire to read and achieve goals that will benefit them throughout their lives.

We allow the students to make their own choice of books from a color coded system assigned to them by their reading teacher.  These books range in reading levels from the beginning reader through the master reader.  These reading levels are denoted by a color breakdown.  Our library has over 6,000 AR© books ready to be checked out and read.

After reading a book, the student then goes to the computer to take a test of multiple choice comprehension questions. The computer will automatically tell the student which answers are wrong, if any, and what the correct response should have been.  Based on this test, points are awarded to the student.  By passing the test, the student proves to his teacher that the book was read and understood.  The point earned allow the student to work to achieve a goal, assigned by his reading teacher, each six week period.  The AR© teacher and the librarians also help the students earn points by hosting Family Reading Nights at the elementary.  These nights give parents the opportunity to see how the Accelerated Reader© Program works and to stress the importance of reading with their child.

Students receive small rewards each six weeks if they meet their six weeks goal. Students will participate in larger semester rewards based on reaching each six weeks goal.