New to AARI?

Join us for a full year of professional learning that includes:

5-day Summer Institute

AND a minimum of 15 additional hours during the school year. Choose from:

  • 5 Design Studios
  • 10 Learning Labs – in-person and virtual options available
  • 9 Virtual Meetups

PLUS 2 (minimum) job-embedded coaching sessions

Self-paced, online QRI modules

State required clock hours (SCECHs) available

New AARI Educator Learning Dates

About AARI

AARI Logo

What is AARI?

The Adolescent Accelerated Reading Initiative (AARI) is a Tier 2/3 (MTSS) short-term, intensive intervention that accelerates reading comprehension and critical thinking in informational text. AARI is for general and special education students in grades three through twelve and English Learners with a minimum overall WIDA proficiency score of 3.0. The instructional framework is built on evidence-based strategies and culture-centered research.

How does AARI work?

AARI focuses on critical thinking with informational text to help students access content from texts.

AARI emphasizes small group instruction that meets students where they are and accelerates their reading through instruction built around:

  • Community
  • Text-Based Inferencing and Critical Thinking
  • Question Answer Relationship (QAR) and Questioning the Author (QtA)
  • Text Structure

AARI seeks to support students in building more positive reader identities that empower them in all aspects of their lives.

What are the required elements for successful AARI implementation?

  • Small groups based on reading levels
  • Daily instruction
  • Student growth measured by pre/post Qualitative Reading Inventory
  • Ongoing professional learning for all AARI educators that includes coaching, after-school support, and learning labs
  • Administrative support in scheduling small classes and release time for assessing students

What is the Teaching Approach?

  • Responsive teaching
  • Asking inferential questions that stretch students’ thinking
  • Text analysis through text structures
  • Moving students to independence
  • Building community

Who would benefit from AARI?

Interested In Finding Out More?