Item: Renaissance Accelerated Reader
Rating: 10
Author: Verified User

Overall Satisfaction with Renaissance Accelerated Reader

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

We use Accelerated Reader school-wide to assess student comprehension and to motivate/cultivate life long learners. We can measure growth and/or regression in the area of reading comprehension when monitored regularly.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Accelerated Reader gives immediate feedback.
It provides clear and concise instructions.
Accelerated Reader provides data to assist with instructional planning.

Cons

I would like to see a feature that will notify the building admin that a child has reached their reading certification.
I would like a feature that would generate a half size sheet of paper to include a student's username and password as well as their ZPD.
I would like the rollover rights from year to year be given to the building admin versus the district admin.

Return on Investment

All positive!
Perfect for individualized goal setting.
It motivates the students to read.

Alternatives Considered

I have not used or evaluated a product similar to Accelerated Reader.

Support Rating

Every time I call for support, the operators are friendly and helpful.

Key Insights

Do you think Renaissance Accelerated Reader delivers good value for the price?

Yes

Are you happy with Renaissance Accelerated Reader's feature set?

Yes

Did Renaissance Accelerated Reader live up to sales and marketing promises?

Yes

Did implementation of Renaissance Accelerated Reader go as expected?

Yes

Would you buy Renaissance Accelerated Reader again?

Yes

Other Software Used

Google Forms, Canva, Nearpod

Likelihood to Recommend

Accelerated Reader is best suited for grades 2nd - 5th. They are more independent. As noted, Accelerated Reader is a guided program. However, most schedules don't permit the time to guide students in kindergarten and first grade.

Renaissance Accelerated Reader Feature Ratings

Using Renaissance Accelerated Reader

Users and Roles

22 - We are the largest K - 5 Public School in my district.

Support Headcount Required

1 - The Library Media Specialist is the only in-house support we have for Renaissance Accelerated Reader on an on-going basis.

Business Processes Supported

To motivate students to read.
Assess student comprehension.
To foster a love for reading

Innovative Uses

We have used Accelerated Reader to bring excitement to reading.
We have hosted school-wide read-a-thons using Accelerated Reader.
We have used Accelerated Reader to reward students with local restaurant coupons for meeting their goal.

Future Planned Uses

We are often brainstorming new ways in which to use Accelerated Reader.

Likelihood to Renew

Our kids love the healthy competition as well as reaching their individual goals.

Evaluating Renaissance Accelerated Reader and Competitors

Products Replaced

Key Differentiators

Prior Experience with the Product

The use of this program fosters a love for reading while also providing rewards for students for reading achievement.

Evaluation Lessons Learned

No changes.

Renaissance Accelerated Reader Implementation

Implementation Rating

I suggest that school create a plan that outlines:
*Opportunities for Reading
*Opportunities for Testing
*Opportunities for Rewards
*Student Accountability Measures prior to testing

I further that each classroom teacher create a classroom plan that mirrors the school plan.

Implementation Details / Implementation Partner

Implemented in-house

Implementation Issues

Rolling students over for the new school year is the only issue.

Renaissance Accelerated Reader Training

Training Types Used

no training

In-Person Training

Online Training

Ease of Renaissance Accelerated Reader Training

Yes. The product was easy to learn without training. I would only suggest this for users who are tech saavy.

Configuring Renaissance Accelerated Reader

Product Configurability

Not sure.

Configuration Lessons

One thing is to set up classes by homeroom not by grade level.

Additional Customization Considerations

Not at this time.

Renaissance Accelerated Reader Support

Renaissance Accelerated Reader Customer Support Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Quick Resolution Good followup Knowledgeable team Problems get solved No escalation required Immediate help available Support understands my problem Support cares about my success Quick Initial Response	None

Exceptional Examples of Renaissance Accelerated Reader Support

I called customer service to find out why some of our media specialist could not generate reports needed. The customer service representative explained the solution. She walked me through the steps to correct the issue. She was friendly and patient throughout the call. Kudos to the Renaissance Learning Customer Service team.

Using Renaissance Accelerated Reader

Usability Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Like to use Relatively simple Easy to use Technical support not required Well integrated Consistent Quick to learn Convenient Feel confident using Familiar	None