Rainbow Elementary School Accelerated Reader Program

What is AR-Accelerated Reader? Accelerated Reader (AR) is a computer- based program that allows students to read books and test their knowledge using the available quizzes in the schools’ computers. Accelerated Reader (AR) is a computer- based program that allows students to read books and test their knowledge using the available quizzes in the schools’ computers.

Purpose of Accelerated Reader….. The purpose of Accelerated Reader is to encourage students to select appropriate books for their reading level and increase their reading level while enjoying themselves.

How the AR works: key components STAR Testing STAR Testing  S tudents are tested for the reading level using this test. The results are the ZPD range. Book list Book list  Reading level  Student choice Test Test  Accountability-time on task  Establishes comprehension Points on computer Points on computer  Incentives  Tracking student performance

The program at Rainbow: Any program that is implemented in a school, needs to be properly implemented and monitored in order to succeed. Anything less results in disappointment. The Library is equipped with AR books; designated with labels that include Reading Level and points for each book The Library is equipped with AR books; designated with labels that include Reading Level and points for each book Computers in the library, labs & classrooms are equipped with the AR which has quizzes for the designated books. Computers in the library, labs & classrooms are equipped with the AR which has quizzes for the designated books. ARRL1.5PTS0.5

Getting off on the right foot Stages: Every child a success Every child a success Quality over quantity Quality over quantity Reading level Reading level Using incentives Using incentives Immediate diagnosis & intervention Immediate diagnosis & intervention

STAR: Standardized Test for Assessment of Reading A computer-based reading assessment A computer-based reading assessment Normed against 60,00 students Normed against 60,00 students Takes 10 minutes Takes 10 minutes Uses adaptive branching: the questions get more difficult as the student answers them. Uses adaptive branching: the questions get more difficult as the student answers them. Instant statistical report with data Instant statistical report with data Data that includes ZPD (Zone of Proximal Development) range, recommendations, grade level, (IR) Instructional Reading Level, Grade Equivalent (G.E.), and Percentile Ranking (PR) Data that includes ZPD (Zone of Proximal Development) range, recommendations, grade level, (IR) Instructional Reading Level, Grade Equivalent (G.E.), and Percentile Ranking (PR) Entire class tested at once Entire class tested at once No two tests are alike No two tests are alike Assessment given at the beginning, middle, and end of school year to determine reading growth. Teachers may choose to administer the STAR more frequently to monitor students. Assessment given at the beginning, middle, and end of school year to determine reading growth. Teachers may choose to administer the STAR more frequently to monitor students.

Using the Program….. 1. In August, every student is assessed using the STAR Reading Test during the computer lab time. 2. Teacher & student review student’s ZPD range (Zone of Proximal Development) 3. Using the ZPD range-students along with teacher check out designated library books that pertain to their range. * The range is the student’s comfortable reading level without frustration. * The range is the student’s comfortable reading level without frustration.

Cont’d: 4. *Students can test only once in each quiz. Files for every student are carried over from year to year. 5. The students record the information on their AR logs. 6. Student & teacher review results. 7. The teacher monitors reading & quiz activities.

AR Reading Log

Parent Monitoring Review Reading Log on a daily basis. Review Reading Log on a daily basis. Question students about books. Question students about books. When visiting the library check on ZPD range when students select their books. When visiting the library check on ZPD range when students select their books. Compliment students—Praise your child for their effort! Compliment students—Praise your child for their effort! Avoid negative attitudes when students do not progress at a fast pace—Do not emphasize points. Avoid negative attitudes when students do not progress at a fast pace—Do not emphasize points. Monitor quiz taking Monitor quiz taking Communicate with your child’s teacher or school librarian about questions or concerns. Communicate with your child’s teacher or school librarian about questions or concerns. *If monitoring exists, then students are held responsible for their actions. Please connect to Home Connect Please connect to Home Connect

Ultimate Goals: To instill the lifelong love of Reading To instill the lifelong love of Reading To become independent, successful and productive readers in our society To become independent, successful and productive readers in our society

Renaissance Home Connect improves the school-to-home connection by allowing parents and students to log in to a website and view their student’s reading and math practice and progress towards goals. Access to online results promotes discussion between parent and student, which motivates students and can make reading and math practice even more effective. In addition, parents can specify up to six addresses to receive automatic updates on their student’s math and reading progress. Renaissance Home Connect™ is… Connecting Parents and Extending Practice Minimum 90%

Please review your child’s point goal for Accelerated Reader. Teachers may adjust Individual goals to meet student’s needs. We also have a weekly goal of 90%. We reward students for their hard work. However, parents should encourage their child to read to grow in fluency and comprehension—It’s not about points.

The School Library is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM. Each grade level has specific days and times to test for Accelerated Reader. Students and parents must follow the testing schedule and library rules. Please be advised that the library might have to close due to staff meetings or trainings. We will do our best to inform you ahead of time.