What is Accelerated Reader (AR)?
AR is a computer program that helps teachers manage and monitor children’s independent reading practice. Your child picks a book at his own level and reads it at his own pace. When finished, your child takes a short quiz on the computer. (Passing the quiz is an indication that your child understood what was read.) AR gives both children and teachers feedback based on the quiz results, which the teacher then uses to help your child set goals and direct ongoing reading practice.
Children using AR choose their own books to read, rather than having one assigned to them. This makes reading a much more enjoyable experience as they can choose books that are interesting to them. Teachers and librarians help your child choose books at an appropriate reading level that are challenging without being frustrating, ensuring that your child can pass the quiz and
experience success.
If your child does not do well on the quiz, the teacher may help him:
• Choose another book that is more appropriate.
• Ask more probing questions as your child reads and before he takes a quiz.
• Pair your child with another student, or even have the book read to your child.
In most cases, children really enjoy taking the quizzes. Since they’re reading books at their reading and interest levels, they are likely to be successful. This is satisfying for most children. Best of all, they learn and grow at their own pace.
>>Download a Parent’s Guide to AR
>>Download Build Successful Readers Early: Strategies for Parents
You can view your child’s AR progress here at Renaissance Home Connect.
>>View a brief 2 minute video explaining Renaissance Home Connect here.
Your user name is your child’s Student ID number preceded by “DPS” for example: DPS123456
Your password is your child’s birth date formatted as: mmddyyyy for example, if your child’s birthday is January 1, 2004 your password is 01012004
Contact your child’s teacher if you need assistance with your user name and password.
You can sign up to receive an email summary every time your child takes a quiz! Log in to Renaissance Home Connect and click on Email Setup in the upper right. (see video above for more information)
Finding AR books for your child to read at home is easy using the AR Book Finder online program. You can search for appropriate books and save them to your Book Bag to print out and take to your local library or bookstore.
