Understanding
Accelerated Reader
Prepared by Sara Peskie from Renaissance Place
Presented 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
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To
To
To
To
To
To
get students excited about books
provide reliable and objective data
individualize learning
improve classroom management
keep students challenged
provide three types of assessments
– Reading Practice
– Vocabulary Quizzes
– Literacy Skills Quizzes
How Does AR Work?
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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
AR Uses Points To Measure Practice
.5 points
1.0 point
9.0 points
Comparing Levels and Points
Book
Level
4.0
4.0
4.0
Title
The Poky Little Puppy
Encyclopedia Brown and
the case of the disgusting
sneakers
The Color Purple
Interest Points
Level
LG
.5
MG
1.0
UG
9.0
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:
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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:
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Slow down
Reread
Read ahead
Talk to a friend or teacher about confusing
parts
Teach How to Quiz
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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:
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Select books
Read the books
Take the AR Reading Practice Quizzes
Show Quiz results to the teacher
Accelerated Reader Resources
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Library Media Specialist
Handouts
Help Topics
Technical Support
– Telephone: 888 – 274 – 2720
– Email: support@renlearn.com
– Online: http://support.renlearn.com/techkb/