January 5, 2016

What is Accelerated Reader (AR)?

AR is a computer program that helps teachers manage and monitor children’s independent reading practice. Your child picks a book at his own level and reads it at his own pace. When finished, your child takes a short quiz on the computer. (Passing the quiz is an indication that your child understood what was read.) AR gives children, teachers feedback based on the quiz results, which the teacher then uses to help your child set goals and direct ongoing reading practice.

Children using AR choose their own books to read, rather than having one assigned to them. This makes reading a much more enjoyable experience as they can choose books that are interesting to them.

Teachers help your child choose books at an appropriate readability level that are challenging without being frustrating, ensuring that your child can pass the quiz and experience success.

If your child does not do well on the quiz, the teacher may help your child:

• Choose another book that is more appropriate.

• Ask more probing questions as your child reads and before your child takes a quiz.

• Pair your child with another student, or even have the book read to your child.

In most cases, children really enjoy taking the quizzes. Since they’re reading books at their reading and interest levels, they are likely to be successful. This is satisfying for most children. Best of all, they learn and grow at their own pace.

If you would like to know whether your child can read a book from home and take a quiz, you can check here: www.arbookfind.co.uk This will also tell you the book level so you can see whether the book is suitable for your child's current stage of reading development.

How much will my child read during the school day?

According to research, children who read at least 35 minutes a day with a 90% comprehension rate (average percent correct) on AR quizzes see the greatest gains. Therefore, your child should have at least 20 minutes set aside for reading during each school day.

How can I help my child become a better reader?

As with anything, performance improves with practice. Encourage your child to read at home. Create a culture of reading in your household by reading with your child, starting a home library, visiting your local library or bookstore on a regular basis, letting your child see you reading, and discussing books that each of you has read. When reading with your child, stop and ask questions to be sure your child is comprehending what is read. Reading with your child, no matter what the child’s age, is an important part of developing a good reader, building a lifelong love of reading and learning, and creating a loving relationship between you and your child. Make learning a family affair!

What if my child doesn’t like reading?

Using Accelerated Reader, your child will choose the books he wants to read. The teacher or librarian will make certain the book is at the right level so that after completing the book, your child should do well on the AR Reading Practice Quiz. Success on the quiz will encourage your child to read more. With guidance from the teacher or librarian, and success, even students who say they don’t like reading will develop a love of reading.

Will my child have to read a book I don’t want him to read?

No. There are many, many choices of books at your child’s level. Your child will never be forced to read a book you find questionable.

I’m concerned that my child will be unfairly compared to others.

Then you’ll really like AR because it helps the teacher  work with each child individually. Students using AR are encouraged to progress at their own pace and set their own goals with the help of the teacher. The aim of AR is for all children to succeed in achieving their goals.

How does the school determine my child’s reading level?

Teachers determine your child’s reading level in one of three ways: a STAR Reading™ test, a grade-equivalent score from a standardized test, or using their best professional judgment based on their knowledge of your child.

What is a STAR Reading™ test?

STAR Reading is a computerized reading assessment that uses computer-adaptive technology. Questions continually adjust to your child’s responses. If the child’s response is correct, the difficulty level is increased. If the child misses a question, the difficulty level is reduced. The test uses multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 15 minutes.

Home Connect

We are now introducing Renaissance Home Connect which is fun and easy to use. This is a website for parents and children  to log on at home  and view their child's reading progress and their achievements in the quizzes.

If you would like to know more, please go to: http://www.renaissance.com/Resources/Parents