The Accelerated Reader 360 app helps educators increase learner engagement by using personalized reading goals and word class reading materials. Teachers no longer have to search for close reading practice content because Accelerated Reader has a collection of high-interest reading content that is searchable by level, topic, or skills. Teachers can also gain valuable insight by using Accelerated Reader’s reading dashboard, which provides comprehensive data and skill progression.

Website: https://www.renaissance.com/resources/product-brochures/accelerated-reader-360/

What Users Love About the App

“Teacher tools track progress with great visuals in real-time; built-in texts make for especially easy use.”

“The breadth of the online catalog of AR book quizzes is impressive. This online resource is far superior to AR’s early days when schools had to purchase book quizzes individually. Another plus is the AR Book Find, a free online resource that shows the AR book levels.”

“Great app for immediate feedback. I like the independence of the student login and the safe guard of only using the app in the classroom because of monitored passwords.”

“I am a proponent of the Accelerated Reading program. I have used it in my classroom for 17 years and have found that it is an effective way to assess student levels in reading and math, gain data that can be used to drive instruction and motivate students to reach individual goals.”

“Overall, this is a good peripheral way of getting students to read on a daily basis. Students can track their reading level throughout the year and parents have a numerical way of demonstrating achievement or showing signs of needed remediation on an ongoing basis.”

What Users Dislike About the App

“The biggest downside to AR was the cost. The hosting fee was high and the components (AR and STAR) had to be purchased together. Also, students had to use AR from school; home use was not allowed by the contract. As the school year got busy, less time was available during class for students to do the AR book quizzes. As curriculums changed, fewer teachers in our school used AR and our PTA decided the program was too costly to continue funding. A lesser known part of the AR book quizzes were the Literacy quizzes, which offered questioning at a deeper level. Unfortunately, these quizzes were few in number.”

“When Renaissance Learning bought Subtext and renamed it Accelerated Reader 360, it seems that they forgot to learn how to use and support the app. While Subtext had its share of glitches, Renaissance Learning was unable to provide even basic support when we had issues downloading books to use in the app. Maybe Renaissance Learning will some day figure out how to use the app. When they do, I might be able to recommend it again. For now, it is a frustrating mess.”

“For students who do not like to read, it lacks personality. I also felt the quiz questions were more literal and less inferential.”

“I wish there were articles about the same subject written at different levels, like on Newsela. It does have the STAR test connection, however, so that does make the setup and management easy. Also, the tools need to be expanded to resemble the PARCC more.”

“Quizzes may take the joy out of independent reading, especially for struggling readers.”