What is Accelerated Reader?
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The Basics of Accelerated Reader (AR)

A product of Renaissance Learning, Inc. (formerly Advantage Learning Systems), the computer driven Accelerated Reader program (1992) is now part of a total classroom management system with a complete support system of teacher training and certification. AR consists of four components:

  1. providing interesting books
  2. one hour of reading time per day
  3. literal-level quizzes on the content of the books (via computer)
  4. rewards for points earned on the quizzes


Additional Accelerated Reader Information

  • AR does not advertise itself as a substitute for balanced reading instruction or as a “reading incentive” program. Rather, it claims to ease the teacher’s responsibility in monitoring students’ reading.
  • Over 50,000 book titles are listed at a cost of $2.69 per quiz, plus start up costs ($400) and yearly contract fee ($125.00). Expansion packs to add 50 students cost $129.00.Optional expenses include handbooks, instruction cards, and AR labels.
  • System requirements:
    • IBM system requirements: any MS-DOS computer, 405 KB free RAM, 10 MB hard drive, MS-DOS version 3.3 or higher
    • Macintosh system requirements: any Macintosh computer, 1.5 MB free RAM, 10 MB hard disk space System 6.0.7 or higher
  • Alignment with Georgia standards is not available.
  • Books are organized according to reading level. Students are evaluated to determine their reading level (Zone of Proximal Development-ZPD) and are required to read books on their level.
  • The levels assigned to books are based on a reading formula and are not necessarily developmentally appropriate. Reading levels are provided for grades K –12.
  • Point goals are determined by the teacher.
  • The system alerts the teacher through reports when irregularities occur in a student’s test patterns.
  • The program is self-perpetuating in that as a Media Center acquires new books, corresponding quizzes must be purchased. Many book jobbers even package books according to the AR quiz list.
    • Children’s book authors realize that having their book on an AR list insures the shelf life of the title and may indeed expand sales and exposure.
  • The inclusion of an AR program provides ready data for statistic manipulation and reports. Media centers often report an increase in circulation with the program.
  • Little empirical research has been done to verify the claims of the Renaissance Learning company although the website provides over a hundred testimonials as well as “studies” of the program.
  • The company provides grant writing information and assistance along with funding ideas for communities and PTA’s.
  • AR is an approved No Child Left Behind Program.

 

How does Accelerated Reader work?

  1. A student is evaluated (preferably with the Renaissance STAR assessment) for a reading level.
  2. The student and his/her teacher set a point goal.
  3. The student selects a book on his reading “level”, reads the book, locates an available computer, logs on and takes the multiple choice test. Immediate feedback of correct answers is given, as well as the opportunity to learn the correct answers to any missed questions.
  4. The teacher can access the progress report as needed.

    ** The Media Specialist is charged with purchasing AR quizzes, purchasing corresponding books, downloading new quizzes, providing the list of titles and books and maintaining the database.

 

How can I learn more about Accelerated Reader?

Contact Accelerated Reader on the web at www.renlearn.com or mail/phone at:

Accelerated Reader
Renaissance Learning, Inc.
P.O. Box 8036
Wisconsin Rapids WI 54495
(866) 846-7323