Miss Housham – Head of English

What is Accelerated Reader? AR is a computerized reading program in which students read books and take comprehension tests over those books. They receive scores and points for each test they take. AR is used as an assessment tool to monitor students, a diagnostic tool to manage student progress, and a motivational tool to keep kids reading! The data generated by the program helps teachers guide their students toward appropriate reading materials to improve their reading skills.

How much should my child read each day? According to Renaissance Learning’s research, children who read at least 20 minutes a day with a 90% comprehension rate on AR quizzes see the greatest gains. Therefore, your child should have at least 20 minutes set aside for reading during day.

As with anything, performance improves with practice. How can I help my child to become a better reader? Encourage your child to read at home. Create a culture of reading in your household by reading with your child, starting a home library, visiting your local library or bookshop on a regular basis and by letting your child see you reading. When reading with your child stop and ask questions to be sure your child comprehends what they have read and in general make a habit of discussing books that each of you has read.

How will I know how my child is doing? You can access your child’s AR information in Renaissance Place Home Connect from any web-enabled computer. Once in the program, you can view your child’s progress towards targets, points and books read. You can also access AR BookFinder to search for titles of interest.

How does AR work at Testwood Sports College? Students in year 7 &8 read for the first 20 minutes of every English Lesson They have one library lesson a week Students are expected to take quizzes and change books a break and lunch time Students are expected to fill out a reading log every time they read Students take a STAR test every term to see if their reading has improved. This will be communicated to you

Any questions? Mrs H Richbell – AR Co-ordinator Miss Housham – Head of English