[CALIBK12] AR corrections

[Joe Trampenau]

Hi All,
 
After reading the recent posts I feel compelled to share some accurate information on Accelerated Reader.  In no particular order...
 
AR points are just a mathematical formula based on book length and difficulty.  They make it easy to set goals and track progress.  We do not encourage prizes for points. 
 
Anyone who says there's only negative research on AR has only looked for negative research(and hasn't looked very hard).  There are well over 100 "independent" research studies that show positive results (including many federal and university).  Try to find another program with so many!  I encourage everyone to visit renlearn.com to sample some.
 
Regarding reading level; like with any activity, there is an optimum range to practice in.  It's that "just right" range where something is challenging, yet you are successful at it.  You'll grow your ability the fastest within it.  One of the main points of AR is to put this range to best use.  We know kids have limited time to practice reading, why not encourage them to read within their optimal range and grow their reading ability faster?  Of course when they want to read outside the range, that's okay too.  
 
Another main point of AR is quizzing.  When students know they are going to be held accountable for something (like a quiz) they pay more attention and try harder.  This improves learning.
 
I'm sure no one at Renaissance Learning (parent Co. of AR) ever said "this is the solution that will fix all the reading problems".  We are just one tool to help educators monitor and guide students independent reading.  We tell people AR works with all reading curriculums, not that it is one.
 
J.A. Hattie (a researcher) wrote, after reviewing almost 8,000 studies on measuring the effects of schooling, "the most powerful single modification that enhances achievement is feedback".  That's what AR does, provides feedback to teachers/librarians/parents and students.  If you want kids to read for the fun of reading, that's great.  If you want kids to read and improve their reading, you'll want to put in place a system for monitoring, guiding, and providing feedback.  Because that's what research shows works!  And by the way, kids in a good AR program are having just as much fun, if not more, than the kids simply reading for pleasure.  I see it and hear about it all the time when I'm visiting schools.
 
AR is more than just straightforward comprehension quizzes.  Among other things, we offer Vocabulary Practice Quizzes for building vocabulary and Literacy Skills Quizzes that provide valuable feedback to language arts teachers that impact their instruction. 
 
Lastly, so you know, Renaissance Learning is a company made up of educators.  Our sales manager is Marian the Librarian (yes, an ex-librarian).  At my initial training, besides myself we had 2 principals, an english teacher, and a librarian.  Most of our entire sales staff are ex-educators who had such good experiences with our programs they wanted to help the cause and share it with others.  I can promise you that Renaissance Learning has students best interests at heart.  We exist to help provide better practice for students in areas like reading, math, learning english, and writing.  
 
 
Thanks,
 
Joe Trampenau
Parent of 2 AR using students
 
Account Manager
Renaissance Learning
Northern CA/Bay Area
 

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