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Renaissance Accelerated Reader Reviews & Product Details

Melissa T.
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Teacher
Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
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What do you like best about Renaissance Accelerated Reader?

Renaissance Accelerated Reader helps me by providing a way to assess comprehension and encourage independent reading among my students. There are so many titles included that virtually every book a child might have at home is included in the database! Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Renaissance Accelerated Reader?

Some parents think that Renaissance Accelerated Reader limits what their children can read. While I do expect my students to stay within their suggested ZPD reading ranges, I do allow students to read above their ranges when they demonstrate an 85% or higher comprehension on tests or when their parents are reading along with them. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Recommendations to others considering Renaissance Accelerated Reader:

Accelerated Reader is well worth the price paid for the program! Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is Renaissance Accelerated Reader solving and how is that benefiting you?

The biggest problem I can solve by using Renaissance Accelerated Reader is that I can check a child's understanding on material they choose to read without having to read the material myself (which can be very time-consuming in a large classroom of students). The benefit is that they are able to choose material they enjoy rather than an assigned book. This truly helps struggling readers that do not enjoy reading get a feel for it and develop a love of reading. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Renaissance Accelerated Reader Overview

What is Renaissance Accelerated Reader?

Renaissance Accelerated Reader is an independent reading practice program that helps K–12 students become confident, lifelong readers. Supporting more than 210,000 fiction and nonfiction books at a wide range of levels, Accelerated Reader gives students extensive choice in what they read—and keeps them engaged in independent reading practice as they work toward personalized goals. Quizzes for Spanish titles help meet the needs of emergent bilingual learners, while in-depth reporting supports regular teacher-student conversations about reading time, reading comprehension, and reading growth.

Renaissance Accelerated Reader Details
Languages Supported
English, Spanish
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Product Description

Renaissance Accelerated Reader products equip teachers with unparalleled insight into independent reading practice, research-proven goal setting tools, activities that span a variety of skills and text types, and a worldwide community of support.


Seller Details
Year Founded
1986
HQ Location
Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, United States
Twitter
@RenLearnUS
5,897 Twitter followers
LinkedIn® Page
www.linkedin.com
2,047 employees on LinkedIn®
Description

As a global leader in assessment, reading, and math solutions for pre-K–1
schools and districts, Renaissance is committed to providing educators with insights and resources to accelerate growth and help all students build a strong foundation for success. Renaissance solutions are used in over one-third of US schools and in more than 100 countries worldwide.The Renaissance portfolio includes Star Assessments, for reliable, accurate insights into K–1
student learning; myIGDIs, for accurate assessment of early learning; myON, to increase students’ access to high-quality reading materials; Accelerated Reader, to support independent reading practice; Freckle, for teacher-led differentiated instruction; and Schoolzilla, to give educators actionable insights into trends in student attendance and achievement.Why join the Renaissance team? We're award-winning! From employer of choice certifications to EdTech awards, Renaissance continues to be praised for our inclusive company culture & top-notch product offerings. In
0
4, Renaissance earned a consecutive Great Place to Work® certification and was named to Fast Company's list of 100 Best Workplaces for Innovators! In
0
3, we were also recognized as a Best Workplace for Women by Fortune magazine. Join our award-winning team today and help accelerate learning for all.


Sue R.
SR
Overview Provided by:
Senior Marketing Manager | Customer Marketing | Award Winning Community Builder

Recent Renaissance Accelerated Reader Reviews

Verified User
A
Verified UserSmall-Business (50 or fewer emp.)
5.0 out of 5
"Accelerated Reader"
The most helpful thing about Accelerated Reader is that it encourages students to read.
Stacia G.
SG
Stacia G.Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)
5.0 out of 5
"Accountability with"
Renaissance Accelerated Reader offers teachers a means of student accountability with a robust means of data collection. The Goal setting is an im...
SH
Shonda H.Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.)
5.0 out of 5
"AR is a Game Changer"
Acellerated Reader is the most successful reading program I have ever seen. I have been in education since 2003. There is not a better program out ...
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Renaissance Accelerated Reader Media

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36 out of 37 Total Reviews for Renaissance Accelerated Reader

4.8 out of 5
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Renaissance Accelerated Reader Pros and Cons

How are these determined?Information
Pros and Cons are compiled from review feedback and grouped into themes to provide an easy-to-understand summary of user reviews.
Pros
Cons

Overall Review Sentiment for Renaissance Accelerated ReaderQuestion

Time to Implement
<1 day
>12 months
Return on Investment
<6 months
48+ months
Ease of Setup
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Stacia G.
SG
English Teacher
Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
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Validated Reviewer
Verified Current User
Review source: Seller invite
Incentivized Review
What do you like best about Renaissance Accelerated Reader?

Renaissance Accelerated Reader offers teachers a means of student accountability with a robust means of data collection. The Goal setting is an imperative tool for all reading educators. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Renaissance Accelerated Reader?

There are so many features available in Renaissance Axcwlerated Reader. The biggest difficulty is in finding the time to utilize them all well. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is Renaissance Accelerated Reader solving and how is that benefiting you?

Renaissance Accelerated Reader solves the problem of guessing student needs for reading intervention. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Verified User in Primary/Secondary Education
AP
Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
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Validated Reviewer
Verified Current User
Review source: Organic
Incentivized Review
(Original )Information
What do you like best about Renaissance Accelerated Reader?

The most helpful thing about Accelerated Reader is that it encourages students to read. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Renaissance Accelerated Reader?

There is nothing that I dislike about Accelerated Reader. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is Renaissance Accelerated Reader solving and how is that benefiting you?

Benefits are motivated students and valuable information which is easily accessible. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

SH
Teacher
Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
More Options
Validated Reviewer
Review source: Seller invite
Incentivized Review
What do you like best about Renaissance Accelerated Reader?

Acellerated Reader is the most successful reading program I have ever seen. I have been in education since 2003. There is not a better program out there. AR offers practice in all areas of reading. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Renaissance Accelerated Reader?

The only complaint I would have is that it is student driven. In most cases, this is awesome and students love to choose their own reading. Avoidant readers don't love AR though. I do use this time to try and invoke interest and sometimes it works. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is Renaissance Accelerated Reader solving and how is that benefiting you?

This helps so much! I love that it records and saves all data and even communicates the data with the family of the students. I love that they choose their books and always have more interest. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

AO
Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
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Verified Current User
Review source: Seller invite
Incentivized Review
What do you like best about Renaissance Accelerated Reader?

Renaissance Accelerated Reader allows me to tailor lessons in reading to fit the needs of each of my students needs while incorporating their strengths, interests, and character. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Renaissance Accelerated Reader?

One thing I dislike about Renaissance Accelerated Reader is that sometimes the students are not able to check if the book has an AR test before they read it. Then I will read the book and create a test for them. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is Renaissance Accelerated Reader solving and how is that benefiting you?

Renaissance Accelerated Reader helps me to incorporate differentiated reading instruction in the classroom among differing subject-level criteria and information. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

AC
Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
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Incentivized Review
What do you like best about Renaissance Accelerated Reader?

I like the way Accelerated Reader motivates students to read. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Renaissance Accelerated Reader?

It can be misused if not monitored. It is not meant to teach reading. It is a tool to increase student reading. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is Renaissance Accelerated Reader solving and how is that benefiting you?

Students are more motivated to read. They start by wanting to get the points, which continues to be important. I have observed student develop a love for reading also. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

SD
Librarian/ Paraprofessional
Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
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What do you like best about Renaissance Accelerated Reader?

I love the easiness of it. It gives clear instructions on how to use it. The new updates that were done last year are great. I like the new goal classification system. This year they have replaced the ATOS reading level with the Reading Range and I love it. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Renaissance Accelerated Reader?

There is not much about Renaissance Accelerated Reader that I dislike. The Accelerated Book Finder is a great tool as well. I don't see anywhere that there is needed improvement. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is Renaissance Accelerated Reader solving and how is that benefiting you?

Last week the accelerated reader book finder was down. I sent in a help request. They fixed the problem over the weekend and let me know quickly. I use that site nearly all day long, especially when I am inputting new books into my library system. If I do have a question, they are quick to respond when I use the chat box. They are extremely helpful. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Alicia W.
AW
Teacher
Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
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Verified Current User
Review source: Organic
What do you like best about Renaissance Accelerated Reader?

Renaissance is a helpful already made program that holds students accountable for the book(s) they are independently reading. Students being able to take a quick checkpoint of 5 -10 questions, followed by earning badges and treats at our school. Kids get excited about reading . Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Renaissance Accelerated Reader?

The least favorite thing about AR is the taking the time to look up book titles otherwise it is hard for them to take a test. Students in K-12 struggle typing in title vs ar quiz # Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is Renaissance Accelerated Reader solving and how is that benefiting you?

Renaissance is solving the time encouraged to read independently daily. Plus great to check their comprehension and application of applying what the student retained Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Stacia G.
SG
High School English Teacher
Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
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Incentivized Review
What do you like best about Renaissance Accelerated Reader?

Renaissance Accelerated Reader offers so much more than accountability. If used properly, Accelerated Reader provides statistics and data teachers can use to align lessons and group students. The program offers visual reports and goal setting as well as rewards. As a teacher using the program, I have experienced great growth and excitement in my students. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Renaissance Accelerated Reader?

Many teachers feel that AR is just a test. I dislike that we don't always promote all of the other features of the program. It is a very helpful tool. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Recommendations to others considering Renaissance Accelerated Reader:

Renaissance Accelerated Reader offers so much more than accountability. If used properly, Accelerated Reader provides statistics and data teachers can use to align lessons and group students. The program offers visual reports and goal setting as well as rewards. As a teacher using the program, I have experienced great growth and excitement in my students. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is Renaissance Accelerated Reader solving and how is that benefiting you?

I am solving the problem of student reading in our school. I have realized that with accountability and intervention, students can find a love for reading. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Jennifer T.
JT
Teacher
Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
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Validated Reviewer
Verified Current User
Review source: Organic
(Original )Information
What do you like best about Renaissance Accelerated Reader?

Students are intrinsically motivated to read through the process of earning badges or points. They are also held accountable through testing and therefore take their time to read books more thoroughly. Also, the AR book leveling system is straightforward, though you can use any leveling system. With AR, students are selecting books that are within their ZPD and having successful interactions with texts at an appropriate level. Reports and student progress are easy to see and commincate to parents. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Renaissance Accelerated Reader?

I have found little I dislike, the most probably being that the points system is complicated for younger children to understand. However, this year, AR updated with a different option for younger students that used badges instead of points, and the students were able to understand and be more successful with that format. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

Recommendations to others considering Renaissance Accelerated Reader:

AR is a very inclusive program and meets multiple needs in the classroom. This program fees up a lot of my time so I can focus on instruction, and not supervising and assessing independent reading in the classroom. Probably the most valuable program I use in my classroom. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is Renaissance Accelerated Reader solving and how is that benefiting you?

AR is helping me to encourage students to read independently while also holding them accountable for their reading. I don't have time for all students to read 1-on-1 with me, so AR fills that need. I can see what books they choose, what difficulty level the books are, and if they understand what they are reading through short quizzing. I have seen benefits such as increased independent reading levels, increased intrinsic motivation to read, and an excitement to take tests to both celebrate successfully reading a book and also to earn class and individual rewards through their reading journey. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

DS
Elementary Teacher
Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
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What do you like best about Renaissance Accelerated Reader?

AR is super simple for students to access.

Students love the gamification aspect of AR.

It links directly to MyOn.

The levels come from STAR assessments.

Thousands of books are on AR. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What do you dislike about Renaissance Accelerated Reader?

I do not have anything that I dislike about AR at this time. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.

What problems is Renaissance Accelerated Reader solving and how is that benefiting you?

AR is helping our students develop more proficient comprehension skills while still providing book choices in their optimal range of reading. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com.