Accelerated Reader
This page covers the first (efficacy) trial of Accelerated Reader, which tested whether it could work in schools under best possible conditions. To read about the second (effectiveness) trial - testing a scalable model under everyday conditions in a large number of schools - click here.
Accelerated Reader (AR) is a reading management and monitoring programme that aims to foster independent reading. The internet-based software assesses reading age, and suggests books that match pupils’ needs and interests. Pupils take computerised quizzes on the books and earn AR points as they progress.
Accelerated Reader
Broadgreen High School, Thornaby Academy,Tideway
A web-based programme that encourages children to read for pleasure.
Project Info
Independent Evaluator
Durham University
Pupils
349
Schools
4
Grant
£147,000
Themes
Key Stage 3
Key stage
English
Subject
EEF Summary
Accelerated Reader is widely used in England, but much of the evidence for the approach comes from the US. The EEF funded this evaluation to see if it could have an impact in English secondary schools. This is one of a number of small trials developed by EEF and designed to improve outcomes for struggling readers at the transition from primary to secondary school.
The study found that Year 7 pupils who were offered Accelerated Reader made 3 months’ additional progress in reading compared to other similar pupils. For pupils eligible for free school meals the figure was 5 months’ additional progress.
For weaker readers, the approach appears to contribute towards catch-up at the start of secondary school, although pupils at very low levels of reading may need initial support from teachers to benefit, if they are not independent readers.
Based on the promising findings from this small study, EEF has now funded an effectiveness trial, to see if the results can be replicated for a larger number of schools.
Research Results
Evaluation Conclusions
Accelerated Reader appears to be effective for weaker readers as a catch-up intervention at the start of secondary school.
A well-stocked library with a wide collection of books banded according to the Accelerated Reader readability formula, and easy access to computers with internet connection, are the main requirements for successful implementation.
Pupils at very low levels of reading may not be independent readers and would need initial support from teacher to start reading books.
Schools can lead robust evaluations of their own planned interventions, under favourable circumstances, and with some advice and oversight from expert evaluators.
-
Printable project summary
1 MB pdf - EEF-accelerated-reader.pdf
-
Project Report
746 KB pdf - EEF_Project_Report_AcceleratedReader_1.pdf
Full project description
Accelerated Reader (AR) is a whole-group reading management and monitoring programme that aims to foster the habit of independent reading among primary and early secondary age pupils. The internet-based software initially screens pupils according to their reading levels, and suggests books that match their reading age and reading interest. Pupils take computerised quizzes on the books they have read and earn AR points related to difficulty.
The evaluation of Accelerated Reader involved 349 pupils in Year 7 who had not achieved secure National Curriculum Level 4 in their primary Key Stage 2 (KS2) results for English (across four secondary schools). 166 pupils were randomly allocated to receive the intervention for 22 weeks in phase one during their first year at secondary school, with the other 183 acting as a control and then receiving the intervention in phase two. 10 pupils left their existing schools and were unable to provide post-test data despite follow-up. The intervention was organised either by taking pupils out of regular classes or making pupils stay after regular school time. The pattern varied between schools.
