The Accelerated Reader Program By Shylo Morrison OMED 650

The AR Program is the world’s most popular reading management software It provides teachers with an easy and effective way to monitor all forms of guided reading It provides teachers with objective data in order to target instruction and ensure success for every student Research has proved it has helped raise standardized test scores Teachers report it has improved classroom management Most importantly it continues to challenge students without frustration

AR software was created by Renaissance Learning Inc. in 1985 It is an educational software and hardware company for K-12 grade Over 67,000 schools in the USA use their software

There are currently two versions of AR: Desktop and Web-based The desktop version was designed to run in client server or stand-alone environments The newest client server is the web-based Renaissance Place Both designed to operate on Mac, Windows and Novell networks, to Macintosh or Windows clients

The newest Web-based System Runs on a Windows Server platform, using SQL server for the database, and Internet Information Services to deliver a front end to any computer using a web browser This is more beneficial to the classroom, there is no more installation of software It allows teachers and administrators can access reports and data from any computer Renaissance Learning hosts the school’s data reducing the school from having to spend money to maintain a server

The program offers more than 100,000 quizzes on books, both fiction and nonfiction There are five different types of AR quizzes It can generate more than 30 reports to help the teacher make data-driven decisions in order to guide reading progress Keeps an ongoing record of the books each student is reading The program handles all of the record keeping

How the program works First the student selects the appropriate reading material based on their comprehension level; a library book or a textbook Once the student is finished reading, the student takes a quiz about the book on AR program The teacher is then provided with easy-to-read reports on the students’ reading level and comprehension skills

How to choose the right Book The AR program uses the Readability Formula to guide students to books. This formula uses objective measurements to analyze text and predict which materials can be comprehended by individual readers This is important because the AR program emphasizes that students show the most improvement if they regularly practice reading within a range of difficulty that is neither challenging, nor to easy.

There are three levels to use when matching a book to a student; readability level, interest level, and reading level Readability level is the book level. It measures the books textual difficulty Interest level is the sophistication and maturity level of the books content, ideas and themes. Reading level, measures the most difficult level of text a student can comprehend. This is based on standardized tests or results from an AR practice quiz.

Self-selection is essential Allowing students to choose their own books keeps them motivated. Teachers must set guidelines in order to guide students to the right books Teachers must explain the different levels and show them sample books that are similar to what some same-leveled students might choose. Guide students to select books within the appropriate interest level Monitor student progress daily with a daily routine Talk to the students about their books, make sure they are comprehending what they are reading

Research has confirmed the effectiveness of the AR program Research reveals that computerized curriculum management systems, when put into practice correctly, allow teachers to target instruction and accelerate reading growth in students of all ability levels Helps earn higher scores on standardized testing Most importantly it has gotten students to read It has proven to improve overall classroom environment by promoting better attitudes, behavior, and interest in school.

Summary This program is very successful and is a great way to get students motivated about reading, a great tool to help teachers organize their reading program, and monitor the success and reading abilities of their students