Accelerated Reader

A Parent’s Guide to Renaissance

 Star Reading and Accelerated Reader

What is Star Reading?  

Star Reading is an online assessment used to determine a child’s English reading level.  It is a computer-based reading assessment program that uses computer-adaptive technology. Questions continually adjust to each child’s responses. If the response is correct, the difficulty level is increased. If they cannot answer a question, or answer incorrectly, the difficulty level is reduced. The test uses multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 20-30 minutes.

What is Accelerated Reader (AR)? 

AR is a computer program that helps teachers manage and monitor a child’s independent reading practice. Children pick either a physical book that falls within their ZPD level or choose to read from the recommended myON digital library. When they have finished reading, they take a short quiz on the computer - passing the quiz is an indication that the child has understood what has been read. 

If they are reading at the recommended level for them, then most children are likely to be successful and enjoy the books and quizzes. Best of all they learn and grow at their own pace. 

What is a ZPD (Zone of Proximal Development)?  

A ZPD is the range of books that will challenge a child without causing frustration or loss of motivation. Each child will receive a ZPD, or reading range, after taking a Star Reading test. It is important for children to read with a high degree of comprehension and within their ZPD. 

What is a Lexile Measure?  

A Lexile Measure is produced within myON from an initial Lexile Placement exam taken by a child, followed by regular shorter Benchmark exams to continue to refine it as they read more books. It is a range personalised to each child and reported as a single figure which covers 100 points below and 50 points above. Lexile data is also calculated from the Star Reading test and will display in myON if Renaissance products are integrated.

What are Book Levels & Lexile Levels?  

Both are ways of matching children to suitable books. All books in myON, and all books with an Accelerated Reader quiz have been levelled based on difficulty of the text to enable a quick match to children who should be able to read & understand them. 

Book levels are reported using the ATOS™ readability formula range from 0.1–20.0.  Lexile levels range from BR 300L – 1450L.

How can I help my child using Renaissance?  

As with anything, reading and understanding English language improves with practice. According to Renaissance research, children who read at least 20 minutes a day and achieve a 90% comprehension rate on AR quizzes see the greatest gains. Encourage your child to read at home with myON with the English language audio track, discuss books, and ask questions about what they have read.

What are Interest levels & points?  

Every book that has an AR quiz is assigned an Interest Level to identify which age group a book is appropriate for, based on the content and themes within the book. These are recommendations only and parents are recommended to use their best judgement when guiding pupils, especially in myON where books at different interest levels can be found.

Each AR quizzed book also has a point value calculated to denote the length & time of the reading experience. AR points are based on the length of the book (number of words). Pupils earn a percentage of points according to how well they pass the quiz.

How can I find further information? 

For Star Reading and Accelerated Reader, each child accesses a specific website set up for a school or educational institute; and the teachers or educators will be able inform you about your child’s progress.

Visit AR BookFinder at www.arbookfind.co.uk to search through all the available books on the Renaissance system with AR quizzes.

Useful resources:

Below you can find links to some useful resources and information: