Accelerated Reader
A Parent's Guide to Accelerated Reader from Renaissance
What is Star Reading?
Star Reading is the online assessment we use to determine a child’s reading level. It is a computer-based reading assessment programme that uses computer-adaptive technology. Questions continually adjust to each child’s responses. If the response is correct, the difficulty level is increased. If they cannot answer a question, or answer incorrectly, the difficulty level is reduced. The test uses multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 20-30 minutes.
At The Howard, we check Year 7 and 8 student’s reading progress using Star Reading every term. They are issued with their ZPD and can then choose books according to their reading level.
What is a ZPD (Zone of Proximal Development)?
A ZPD is the range of books that will challenge a child without causing frustration or loss of motivation. Each child will receive a ZPD, or reading range, after taking a Star Reading test. It is important for children to read with a high degree of comprehension and within their ZPD.
At The Howard, we note a student’s ZPD in their reading record and expect students to always read their correct level book during their fortnightly literacy lesson, their literacy session in tutor time and their daily ‘Drop Everything And Read’ 20 minute session.
What is Accelerated Reader (AR)?
AR is a computer programme that helps teachers manage and monitor a child’s independent reading practice. Children pick a physical book that falls within their ZPD level. During breaktimes or school holidays and at home, if they have access to smart technology, they can choose to read levelled books in e-book formats or listen to audiobooks from the school digital library, ‘ePlatform’ (link via the LRC page on Student Share Point). When they have finished reading, they take a short quiz on the computer - passing the quiz is an indication that the child has understood what has been read. If they are reading at the recommended level for them, then most children are likely to be successful and enjoy the books and quizzes. Best of all they learn and grow at their own pace.
At The Howard, students should quiz as soon as possible after they finish their book either on the school PCs at break and lunchtime, during their literacy lesson in the library or if they have access to smart technology, at home. The instructions for logging into Renaissance are in their Reading Record.
How can I help my child using Renaissance?
As with anything, reading and understanding English language improves with practice. According to Renaissance research, children who read at least 20 minutes a day and achieve a 90% comprehension rate on AR quizzes see the greatest gains. Encourage your child to read at home, discuss books, and ask questions about what they have read.
At The Howard, we ask students to complete their Reading Record book review after every book they have read. It would be helpful to check this regularly and to celebrate with them when they finish a book, complete quizzes and reach Word Millionaire status. You will also see your child receiving reward points for many aspects of reading, not just linked to ability (listed in their Reading Record), and a student from each tutor group is awarded a ‘Reader of the Week’ award. There are other prizes and acknowledgements during the school year which recognise reading achievements and regular AR updates are included in the parent newsletters.
How can we check if one of our home books is levelled?
Visit AR BookFinder at www.arbookfinder.co.uk to search through all the available books on the Renaissance system and see what level they are.
At The Howard, the school library has a wide range of books at all levels, and we encourage students to read books across all genres. We would never discourage them from reading a book which has not been levelled by Renaissance, but they should read this at home please, and you can request new quizzes to be produced via the book finder website.