Accelerated Reader
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Accelerated Reader literacy programme
As part of our commitment to improving literacy skills for our students, all of year 7, 8 and some year 9’s are enrolled on the Accelerated Reader programme. Accelerated Reader is a programme which helps us to encourage, manage and monitor your child’s independent reading. This program has not only been specifically designed to improve students’ reading ability, and continue to raise their reading age, but also to encourage and nurture a love of reading that will continue into adulthood.
Reading is a national priority for a number of reasons; being able to demonstrate competent reading skills is essential for subjects across the entire curriculum. Scientific research shows clearly that a student who reads regularly for 20 minutes per day is far more likely to be successful at GCSE level and beyond.
How can I help my child become a better reader?
Your child will take an initial STAR test to establish their starting point (Zone of Proximal Development ‘ZPD’). They will then be able to select a book within their ZPD from the labelled books within the library, or any book that is part of the Accelerated Reader programme. You can search to see if the book is on the programme and which level it is, at www.arbookfind.co.uk. They will then take a further three tests during the academic year to monitor their progress.
After your child finishes their book, they will then need to take a quiz. This can be accessed by going to the BHBS website homepage and then selecting Student matters, Curriculum links and the Accelerated Reading icon. Students can then log in with their personal log in and password. They should be aiming for 100% but a minimum of 85% should be achieved.
Accelerated reader will respond and adapt immediately to your child’s progress, it will not only adjust the level of questioning within a quiz, increasing or decreasing difficulty in response to their answers, but it will also help us to ensure they are reading books which offer them an appropriate level of challenge.
How can I help my child become a better reader?
As with anything, performance improves with practice. Encourage your child to read at home. The Accelerated Reader programme recommends 20-30 minutes a day. Create a culture of reading in your household by reading with your child, starting a home library, visiting your local library or bookstore on a regular basis, letting your child see you reading, and discussing books that each of you has read. Your child will be set a reading homework of 40 minutes every other week. It would be helpful to check that your child is reading for at least this amount of time.
You will be able to view your child’s progress using Renaissance Home Connect. You will be able to view all the books that your child has read and quizzes your child has taken. You will also have the option to receive emails that reveal results for reading practice quizzes and links to the website where you can check progress.
To log in to Renaissance Home Connect go to https://Ukhosted86.renlearn.co.uk/1893861/HomeConnect and use your child’s login details which they have been given.
What if my child doesn’t like reading?
Using Accelerated Reader, your child will choose the books s/he wants to read. The teacher or librarian will make certain the book is at the right level so that after completing the book, your child should do well on the AR Reading Practice Quiz. Success on the quiz will encourage your child to read more. With guidance and success, even students who say they don’t like reading will develop and progress. We have also introduced incentives, such as competitions and rewards, to encourage students to take part in the Accelerated Reader programme.
Will my child have to read a book I don’t want them to read?
No. There are many, many choices of books at your child’s level. Your child will never be forced to read a book you find questionable.
I’m concerned that my child will be unfairly compared to others.
Then you should like AR because it helps the teacher or librarian work with each child individually. Students using AR are encouraged to progress at their own pace and set their own goals with the help of the teacher. The aim of AR is for all students to succeed in achieving their goals.
We hope that your child is able to fully engage with and enjoy the programme, and hence receive the benefits.
Thank you for your support.
If you have further questions please feel free to either contact your child’s English teacher, the librarian Mrs Chappell (mchappell@bhbs.hereford.sch.uk) or try visiting the Accelerated Reader website at www.renaissance.com/products/acclerated-reader