1. Getting More From Accelerated Reader
On-line Training Resources
Goal Setting
Incentives
Record Keeping
Viewing Reports
Four types of A/R Tests

2. Many A/R Resources A/R has many features that we’ve yet to tap into.
Today we’ll look at the following:
On-line training resources to assist teachers and administrators in understanding and using more A/R features.
Goal Setting – using features of the A/R program to set attainable goals for students and communicating this information.
Offering incentives and rewards to motivate students.
Home Connect –A great way for parents to access their child’s testing scores via the Home Connect page or .
Additional A/R testing features such as vocabulary quizzes, literacy skills quizzes, and ‘other reading quizzes’.
Reports are available to track the progress and growth within the Accelerated Reader and Star Reading sections. View these reports regularly to get the most out of the program.
View this link for the 10 most important classroom practices.

3. Register for the free Renaissance Training Center
One great way to learn about A/R features is to use the free on-line training center.
Go to
Select Training Center.
Select ‘Log-In’ to create an account and follow the steps under ‘New Visitors’.
Log-in and you’ll be at ‘Renaissance Training Center’.
Select Professional Development.
Search by subject or type.
There are four types of sessions offered: Webinars, Seminars, Quick Sessions, and On-Demand Sessions.
Today we’ll look at Quick Sessions and On-Demand Sessions.

4. On-Demand Sessions
Renaissance Learning provides you with opportunities for free, on-demand learning opportunities.
Once you’ve logged-in to the training center you can use the on-demand session.
Choose the subject for which you’d like to view a list of On-Demand Sessions. (Select Reading)
Numerous topics are covered such as using STAR Reading Assessment, Accessing Accelerated Reader Resources, Beginning with Class Record Books, What is Home Connect, and more…
To view a sample of an on-demand session for Accelerated Reader Resources click on this link

5. Quick Sessions Once you’ve logged-in to the training center,
Select ‘Quick Sessions’ found at the bottom of the screen then choose the subject for which you’d like to view.
Quick Sessions are assembled in a written format without audio.
Click here for a sample Quick Session about helping your ELL students become strong readers.

6. Additional Help and Assistance
As part of our contract with Renaissance Place, you can call for assistance with any A/R matters.
Have your A/R Renaissance Place Number available when calling. For a complete list of customer numbers click on this link:

7. Goals
Setting reading and point goals for students will increase student interest and motivation in the program.
The A/R program has a method for determining an attainable goal for each student based on their reading level and daily time spent reading.

8. Goal Setting
The students goals are set for a pre-determined time period based on the students ZPD and reading level.
A chart for determining a student’s goal is available by going to Accelerated Reader select Resources, Forms and Charts, Goal Setting. You may also find the chart by clicking on this link:
Follow the instructions on the chart to determine the students goal for a pre-determined time period.

9. Setting the goals within the A/R system
Once you’ve determined each individual student goal, go to the A/R home page
Go to Class Record Book
Select Reading Practice Goals – make certain a marking period has been set.
Then enter each students goal.
On-Demand Session for goal setting here:
*By setting the goals in the A/R system, you will be able to see how the student is doing towards reaching their goal when you view the diagnostic report.*

10. Incentives
Determine some means of regularly communicating with and praising students for their reading performance.
Set some type of reward/recognition for your class.
There should be an immediate recognition when a student is successful on a test. (i.e. 85% or higher)
Additional recognition in the form of a bulletin board, certificate, etc… based on the number of % points the student has earned towards their goal. (For example rewards for meeting 25%, 50%, 75%, 0r 100% of their goal.)
Setting up a system whereby students are rewarded for % accomplishments rather than points creates a more equitable reward system.
Follow this link for more ideas on motivating readers:

11. Record Keeping
Help the students track their reading progress as a means of communication, motivation and accountability for the students.
Consider having an A/R folder where the student keeps track of the books being read, dates of reading, page numbers, A/R quiz number, quiz scores, etc…
Samples of A/R class record sheets can be found under resources for Accelerated Reader, or by clicking on this link:

12. Viewing Reports
There are many reports available to help monitor the student progress and growth.
Detailed reports can be found on the home page under both Accelerated Reader and Star Reading.
View the Accelerated Reader Reports for Reading Practice, Vocabulary Practice, Literacy Skills and Other Reading.
The Diagnostic Report for Accelerated Reader should be checked weekly to monitor student progress.
The STAR Diagnostic, Growth and Summary Reports are all helpful for monitoring student reading growth.

13. Types of Quizzes
Accelerated Reader offers four types of quizzes including Reading, Vocabulary, Literacy Skills and Other Reading Quizzes.
The type most often used by our students is the general Reading Quiz.
Currently there are more than 114,000 quizzes available. This number increases weekly as new books are published and quizzes written.

14. Vocabulary Quizzes
Vocabulary Practice Quizzes are available along with the many of the reading quizzes.
Students who take a reading quiz and pass with 85% or higher, can take a vocabulary practice quiz.
Teachers should print the vocabulary list prior to the student reading the book. This will ensure the greatest success on learning the vocabulary.
To view a Quick Session on “Boosting Vocabulary with Vocabulary Practice Quizzes” click here:

15. Literacy Skills Quizzes
Literacy skills Quizzes help measure your students’ proficiency with 24 higher-level reading and critical-thinking skills.
Tests are available for many of the popular A/R titles.
Each quiz also comes with an electronic teachers guide with wonderful tools for enhancing your lessons.
As with any test, the literacy skills quizzes can be taken in a sample quiz version with the entire class, as a whole class, or by the individual student.
Great for monitoring student progress and comprehension.
Literacy skills found by going to Accelerated Reader, Quizzes, then select Literacy Skills.

16. Other Reading Quizzes
Other Reading Quizzes enables you to check comprehension of material that students read in specific textbook series.
The quizzes have been ordered for the reading textbooks used in grades 1st – 5th and should be available for all Harmony campuses by April 10th.
Check the availability by going to Accelerated on the A/R home page, select manage quizzes, other reading quizzes, select the appropriate reading series for your class.

17. Home Connect
Home Connect is a wonderful tool for increasing parent participation and involvement in the A/R program.
Parents and students can view their A/R progress from any computer, anytime through Home Connect.
Students and parents can view the books read, points earned, and if the teachers has set goals on the computer, the student can see how many percentage points earned towards meeting their goal.
Parents can sign-up to receive notifications at home or work when their child has completed an A/R quiz.
Provide parents with a copy of the Home Connect letter found on the A/R home page under Accelerated Reader Home Connect. This letter will include the link for Home Connect as well as their child’s username and password.

18. Thank you for your time!
Feel free to contact me if you have questions on any of these or other A/R resources. Julie Norton