• Students are also expected to participate in the Accelerated Reader program (AR) for reading practice. AR is used as a motivational tool to encourage readers at all levels to strive for personal goals. Incentives and rewards are provided for those students meeting their identified goal. The AR program allows teachers a way to monitor students’ independent reading. AR is a reflection of a student’s independent practice; therefore, it is used as a portion of the participation / effort and work / study habits grade. Participation in the AR program helps the students to practice and improve comprehension and vocabulary skills.