Renaissance Learning Parent's Page

You will love the new Parent Resources section on the Renaissance Learning website. It has helpful Parent Guides answering frequently asked questions about Renaissance products.

Questions
1)  What is AR?
2)  What are goals in the AR system?
3)  What is a STAR test?
4)  What are AR Certifications?
5)  What AR incentives does Colt Elementary have?
 
Answers
1)  Q What is AR?
A
AR or Accelerated Reader is a web-based program purchased through Renaissance Learning. Students read books and take comprehension test using AR. The test range from 5 questions to 20 depending on the length and difficulty of the book. Quizzes are scored and recorded into the system.
2)  Q What are goals in the AR system?
A
Students have 3 goals that they should maintain each 9 weeks. Students should have an 90% average or better on all quizzes. The second goal is to reach their individual point goal that has been determined by the teacher and the student. Each student has a point goal based on their STAR test. The third goal is reading within their ZPD (Zone of Proximal Development) which was determined during STAR testing. All three goals should be met to receive recognitions.
3)  Q What is a STAR test?
A
The STAR test is given several times a year to determine a students reading level. It is a computer based timed comprehension test. Students answer several questions that determine their individual abilities.
4)  Q What are AR Certifications?
A
All students work towards reading certifications in AR. The different levels are Independent, Rising Reader, Super Reader, Advanced Reader, Star Reader, and Classic Reader.

Independent: 10 points on books above a 1.2 book level and get an 90% or higher on 3 books.

Rising Reader: Read 3 books above a 1.6.

Super Reader: Read 3 books above a 2.0 worth 1 point or more each.

Advanced Reader: Read 3 books above a 3.0 worth 2 points or more each.

Star Reader: Read 3 books above a 4.0 worth 4 points or more each.

Classic Reader: Read 3 books above a 6.0 worth 7 points or more each.
5)  Q What AR incentives does Colt Elementary have?
A
Each grade level offers their own rewards and incentives for students who reach their AR goals each nine weeks. The library offers the Word Club which is based on word count and overall average. See the Reading Incentives' page for more information.