Accelerated Reader
Accelerated Reader (AR) is a computerized, personalized practice and progress monitoring tool that provides reliable and valid feedback on comprehension of books and other materials students have read. Acclerated reader is used in more than 71,000 schools in the United States. Currently, at St. Patrick’s we are using the web-based version called Renaissance Place. In addition to regular quizzes (there are more than 100,000 books in Acclerated Reader’s database), the Renaissance Place version includes quizzes designed to practice vocabulary. The quizzes use words from the books and should be taken after the book has been read.
One of the components of AR is ATOS, similar to a Lexile Level, is a readability formula that results in a readability level for books. The purpose of ATOS is to assist with guiding students to books suited to their reading abilities.
Reading Practice quizzes assess whether or not students have read a book. To use this assessment, students first read an Accelerated Reader book (a book that has a related quiz in the Accelerated Reader database). Teachers monitor student reading, and once the child has finished the book, he or she takes a quiz on Accelerated Reader via computer. The quizzes are multiple choice with 5, 10, and 20 questions depending on the book’s difficulty and length. The questions ask literal comprehension questions. Students must correctly answer a set number of questions in order to pass an exam, for which they are given a percentage of points associated with the book depending on their achievement on the quiz. Literacy Skills quizzes assess 24 “higher order” thinking skills using material from specific books.
For students using AR, the feedback is motivational and builds a lifelong love of reading and learning. For teachers, the information is used to carefully monitor and guide each student’s independent reading practice. This includes guiding students to books at appropriate levels, closely monitoring their progress, and intervening with appropriate instruction when necessary. Guided independent reading practice has been shown to accelerate reading growth for all students, regardless of ability.
To check book levels and points:
Click on the following link www.renlearn.com, click on order quizzes and then choose advanced search. At this point you can customize your search to fit your student. You will be able to search by title or use the drop down box to search by author. Under the topic drop down box you will be able to choose a specific subject such as horses, holidays, arts etc. Interest level will let you select books appropriate for your child’s age. Lower Level books will be appropriate for students grades K – 2 or 3; Middle Level would be grades 3 – 6, Higher Level will indicate books for grades 6 and above. As you choose books for your student, parents should keep in mind that the AR level indicates the degree of difficulty of a book. AR is not a rating system and does not determine the suitability of the content or merit of a book.
Information from www.renlearn.com