Understanding Accelerated Reader

Prepared by Sara Peskie from Renaissance PlacePresented by: N. Franco and A. Sullivan

What is AR?

AR Is …• Part of web-based reading management

program called Renaissance Place• Renaissance Place has two components:

– STAR Reading– Accelerated Reader

Objectives for AR• To get students excited about books• To provide reliable and objective data• To individualize learning• To improve classroom management• To keep students challenged• To provide three types of

assessments– Reading Practice– Vocabulary Quizzes– Literacy Skills Quizzes

How Does AR Work?• Student takes the STAR Reading

Assessment• Student and Teacher discuss results• Student selects a book within the ZPD• Student reads the book• Student takes the reading practice quiz• Student and Teacher discuss results• Repeat as needed

Let’s Talk About Books

Interest Level

• Relates to content and appropriateness– LG = Lower Grades– MG = Middle Grades– UG = Upper Grades

Book Levels

• Indicates text difficulty• Quantitative• Does not relate to quality or appropriateness

.5 points

1.0 point

9.0 points

AR Uses Points To Measure Practice

Book Leve

l

Title Interest Level

Points

4.0 The Poky Little Puppy LG .5

4.0 Encyclopedia Brown and the case of the disgusting sneakers

MG 1.0

4.0 The Color Purple UG 9.0

Comparing Levels and Points

AR Keeps Track

• Quiz Scores• Points earned• Book levels

Reading Practice Quiz

• Reading and Comprehension• Multiple Choice Questions• Read the book once and quiz once

How Points Work

• Prorated• No points for a failed quiz

– Below 60% on a 5- or 10-question quiz– Below 70% on a 20-question quiz

Implementation: Phase I

What Teachers Do:

• Create time for reading practice• Provide access to books• Guide and motivate daily reading• Use reports to monitor progress• Use reports to provide feedback

Facilitate Book Selection

• Access to the school library• Access to the classroom library• Guide students to books matching

their abilities and interests

Plan a Successful Start

• Shorter books• Aim for 85% or better• Discuss reading and

comprehension strategies

Encourage Self-Monitoring for Reading Comprehension

• Tell students to ask themselves “Am I understanding what I am reading?”

• If not:– Slow down– Reread– Read ahead– Talk to a friend or teacher about

confusing parts

Teach How to Quiz

• Briefly review the book• Quiz Matches the book• Don’t rush • Read the question twice and ALL

four answer choices• Paraphrase question if necessary

Check TOPS Report

• Prints automatically after a student takes a quiz

• Gives quiz score and cumulative data

What Students Do:

• Select books• Read the books• Take the AR Reading Practice Quizzes• Show Quiz results to the teacher

Accelerated Reader Resources

• Library Media Specialist• Handouts• Help Topics• Technical Support

– Telephone: 888 – 274 – 2720– Email: support@renlearn.com– Online: http://support.renlearn.com/techkb/