Accelerated Reader

Renaissance Learning started Accelerated Reader in 1986 in America. They provide quizzes to books children are reading, currently 7,000 titles, from early primary years to late teens. Children read the books then log on complete the multiple choice tests and receive their results almost immediately. The idea is that by adding a competitive element

1. Children read more
   
2. they reader in more detail
   
3. they see themselves improving
   

The quizzes range from the purely factual to more probing questions exploring emotions and motivations. The programme introduces the idea of reading for pleasure. But the best thing is that it is said not to work "unless school libraries are well stock" and "have competent librarians".