Link to AR website:
https://www.renlearn.co.uk/accelerated-reader/
Accelerated Reader
Accelerated Reader is a powerful tool designed to meet the individual reading needs of every pupil. It is most effective when the school and home work together to promote individual reading.
St. Peter's first engaged with the Accelerated reader programme in 2019- with our SNA team labeling thousands of books and Ms. H. Horan (HSCL at the time) setting up our 3rd-6th classes on the system. We arranged remote staff training in the programme during the 2018/2019 school year and also received some face to face training. Mr. Ryan had initiated the programme in Ms. A. Horan's 5th class in March 2019. In light of covid-19, we have to postpone our continued training until 2021. When the programme is up and running again, we will inform parents.
This page is designed to support parents in understanding the Accelerated Reading Programme.
Log in from home at https://ukhosted66.renlearn.co.uk/6933122
How It Works?
1) Star Reading
Pupils take a reading assessment called a “STAR TEST”. This is a computerised reading test which is used to identify the pupils reading age. Based on this reading age the pupils will receive a special score. This is a decimal based score covering a specific range e.g.1.5-2.5. This is very helpful as it helps students select books that are difficult enough to keep them challenged, but not too difficult to cause frustration.
2) How does this decimal score help my child to select an appropriate book?
All books in the accelerated reading scheme have a corresponding book level describing how difficult they are. This can be seen on the inside or front cover of the book. In the example below the book level (BL) is 2.2. As this falls between the decimal range in our example (1.5-2.5) this would be a suitable book for this pupil to select.
Sample Book
3) What if my child doesn't understand the decimal system?
To simplify the process of selecting books for pupils who perhaps do not understand the decimal system, the books in our library have been separated into colour bands. Each band is identifiable on the spine of the book. The teacher will let each pupil know what colour band they should be reading.
4) Now what?
Once the child has selected a book they will be provided with a numerical target e.g. 18.5. This target is generated by the computer based on the child's Star Test result and the time period over which the scheme will run e.g. 8 weeks. Targets are specific to each pupil so that the programme meets the needs of every individual reader.
The pupil's will be made aware of this target when they select their first book. To score points towards the target the pupils must take a computerised test based upon the book they have read. This will examine the individual's comprehension of the book they have read.
Children log in to AR at: https://ukhosted66.renlearn.co.uk/6933122
5) How many points will my child score towards their target?
This differs depending on two factors:
- A) How difficult the book is. Similar to the book level this information can be found on the inside or front cover of the book. In our sample book opposite the book is worth 0.5points. This can be seen labelled AR PTS: 0.5.
- B) The number of questions answered correctly when taking the computerised assessment based on the book read.
6) How can I track how my child is doing?
Accelerated reader generates a wealth of information that will allow teachers and parents to assess how pupils are performing. The teachers will keep you informed about your child's progression.
