Accelerated Reader is a program proven to improve reading comprehension. Produced by Renaissance Learning, Inc. (an international education software corporation), it has become one of the most popular and successful scholastic reading programs in the world.

Although most of us are familiar with the basics of AR--measure the "zone," read a book, take a test, read another book, and so on--few people outside a small circle of educators have any perspective of how thoughtfully designed and potentially beneficial the AR program really is . . . most folks don't even know how it actually works.

At MHR, we want our families to know. Accelerated Reader has grown into a mature, integral element of our curriculum. In fact, in recent years it has become so interwoven that we think it is very important for all our families to understand what AR's purpose is, what its benefits are, how the AR program works and how it is best used.

To that end, we encourage parents to view the Accelerated Reader familiarization presentation. This is the same presentation our teachers receive during their comprehensive AR in-servicing.

Our experience has been that the Accelerated Reader program inspires love of reading and excitement to learn in our students. Now that the program is firmly established here at MHR, we hope that by sharing some of this key information with parents, we can use their support and assistance to leverage the program and make it even more effective.