ACCELERATED READER -
RENAISSANCE LEARNING The Austin classroom reading program and Library are grounded in a program called "Accelerated Reader," or "AR" which was created by Renaissance Learning, Inc. Under the AR program, a child has a reading ability level, which is designated by a number like 3.2. All the books in the Austin library are stamped and shelved with an AR number (ex. 3.5) befitting the ability level needed to read and understand that book. When a child comes into the library, they get 1-3 books that are at their reading level. After the child has read a book (ideally at least twice) they then take a test on that book. The tests are part of a computer software program created by Renaissance Learning. The tests are designed to: Prove that the child has read the book Let the child demonstrate their understanding of the book Provide the teacher with the means to monitor and regularly reassess the child's reading ability As the child's reading ability improves, their teacher gives them higher AR reading level numbers. Each book also carries a point value, so when the child shows on the test that they have read and understood the book, they earn its corresponding points. The points a child accumulates can earn them a Renaissance-style title which is bestowed upon them at the end of the semester in a costumed program called a "Knighting Ceremony." |
KNIGHTING CEREMONY
In every category, the student's weekly reading goal must be up-to-date and all reading tests must be passed with an average between 85-92% PAGE: Read 3 books Earn 10 points SQUIRE: Read 3 1-point books Earn 25 points SQUIRE II: Read 20 1-point books Earn 35 points KNIGHT: Read 3 2-point books Earn 45 points KNIGHT II: Read 10 2-point books Earn 55 points MARSHALL: Read 3 3-point books at 3.0 or higher Earn 65 points MARSHALL II: Read 10 3-point books at 3.0 or higher Earn 75 points CHANCELLOR: Read 4 4-point books at 4.0 or higher Earn 85 points CHANCELLOR II: Read 10 4-point books at 4.0 or higher Earn 95 points BARON/BARONESS: Read 5 5-point books at 5.0-5.9 Earn 100 points BARON/BARONESS II: Read 10 5-point books at 5.0-5.9 or higher Earn 110 points LORD/LADY: Read 10 6-point books at 6.0-6.9 or higher Earn 125 points LORD/LADY II: Read 10 6-point books at 6.0-6.9 or higher Earn 135 points DUKE/DUCHESS: Read 7 7-point books at 7.0-7.9 or higher Earn 150 points KING/QUEEN: Read and accumulate 200 points All books must be from 8.0 or above |