The Renaissance Learning Overview of Accelerated Reader:
- Make essential reading practice more effective for every student
- Personalize reading practice to each student's current level
- Manage all students' reading with four types of quizzes: Reading Practice, Vocabulary Practice, Literacy Skills, and Textbook Quizzes
- Build a life-long love of reading and learning
Structure of the Accelerated Reader
Program at St Robert
There are over 13,000 books in the school library. Of these, over 9,000 titles
are part of the Accelerated Reader program. The school has an extensive collection
of all reading levels, encompassing a broad spectrum of genres; to name a
few: mystery, drama, comedy, and science fiction. The library remains extremely
proactive in acquiring new titles throughout the year through fundraising
activities and generous donors. Titles cover critical areas such as beginning
books for students who need additional phonic practice; short beginning chapter
books for readers transitioning from picture books; books written at a lower
reading level and feature stories that are also interesting to Junior High
students; and books for the advanced and engaged readers who continue to push
the upper limits due to their longevity in the program.
All students visit the library once a week with their class. Books have an
assigned reading level based on the vocabulary, and a point-value based on
their length. A student's reading level is assessed by a computer quiz, and
a reading level range is assigned to each student by their teacher. Book levels
are indicated on the spine for easy searching. Students choose a book in their
level range, read it, then take a quiz on a school computer. Each of their
scores are saved and a summary is provided for their teachers and parents.
Accelerated Reader is designed so that when students have mastered a level
at 100% the new level that the student begins is automatically 20% more difficult.
This means that the students usually score 80% or above, achieving grades
in the A-B range. It has proven to be very encouraging for our students. We
have already found that St. Robert students have progressively become better
readers since the implementation of this program.
Students remain enthusiastic about this program due to their ability to choose
books with subject matters interesting to their individual tastes. Because
the books are specifically at their assessed level, students become successful
at comprehension and vocabulary.
Teachers and parents likewise appreciate the program for its constant relay
of the students' work progression through generated reports. They know what
a student reads, when, and the success rate is evident in their test results.
Studies have shown that students who read at a 5th grade level or below when
entering high school end up struggling and have difficulty being successful.
This program has become a vital tool for teachers in guiding their students
towards becoming competent life-long readers.