We use Accelerated Reader, Accelerated Math, Math Facts in a Flash and Star Reader and Star Math at the 4th - 8th grade level. In addition, our 3rd grade uses Accelerated Math because they are located in the Middle School building so the licensing allows it. We have the "old" desktop version that has the database on a server and the application on each workstation in our MS. We chose not to upgrade to the Enterprise version (Renaissance Place) with these programs because there is an annual fee. The version we have is all we need at this time with no additional costs. Yes, we do have to purchase the $2.89 quizzes, but we only need the quizzes for the books we have anyway. We have no other fees at all with the desktop version and updates to it have been free (so far). As for the 6-8 teachers worried about which computers that Accelerated Reader is on, there is a setting that the program administrator (you) can turn on so before a student takes a quiz the teacher has to put in a password. This will restrict it being used everywhere if they wish.
We also use Accelerated Math in 2 HS classes, but I have that database separate on the server since it is a building license agreement. I would have done that anyway, because managing it is much better done separately. Furthermore, we have Renaissance Place (enterprise web based version) for our ELL students to use English in a Flash with Fluent Reader passages that we use at all levels - 3 licenses Elem, MS, and HS. There is an annual fee, which has a minimum of 100 students and we are under that so it is reasonable. I suggest you phone the company or check on-line www.renlearn.com to get ideas about combining your databases or ask them to give you some options. The company is great to work with (training is expensive, but absolutely necessary) and their tech support is phone based always answered by a "human being" that is knowledgeable, moving you to second level support if they do not know the answers. There are support agreements that you pay for, but then all companies need to make money or they wouldn't be in business. :) Hope that helps, Judy Grethen Technology Technician Estherville Lincoln Central School -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Jackie Fonley Sent: Thursday, February 14, 2008 1:36 PM To: Info Tech Subject: [info-tech] Accelerated Reader I received some information regarding Accelerated Reader and the Enterprise version recently. I noticed it's web based, with access to ALL quizzes available (no more $3/quiz), along with vocabulary and math skill building available as well (and to all lower levels). Currently, our 4-5 building uses it, as well as our 6-8. The 4-5 is set up using a network based approach, the 6-8 is stand alone on a few extra ("older") computers set up in language art rooms. This was all set up before me time, and I am now interested in either combining the databases, going web based, or other options available to me I don't know about. Unless we merge buildings, I was told I cannot combine the databases. (And it appears as if the tests are specifically "coded" for each building.) The 6-8 teachers are fearful of a web based application because they want kids to only use it on the computers in their room. Both use it as a part of their reading curriculum (from what I understand). We also purchased SuccessMaker several years ago to use with our non proficient and special education populations to build on reading, vocabulary and math skills. This is a network set up, but needs the OS 9 to boot up--which they are no longer supporting--in which case we will need to upgrade as we replace computers with newer ones. I'm just curious as to what others are using in regard to Accelerated Reader, and any advantages/disadvantages to any of the options mentioned above. If the Enterprise has Math, Vocabulary, Reading software, and is part of the AR already being used . . . It seems silly to support multiple vendor based programs that do the same thing in essence (maybe). Esp. is stuff is web based. Also, is anyone using the Scholastic Read180 software instead? I know their doing their demo at the end of the month, but again, just looking for feedback. Thanks in advance for any info, and stay safe and warm! -Jackie --- [This E-mail scanned for viruses by Declude Virus on the server aea8.k12.ia.us] --------------------------------------------------------- Archived messages from this list can be found at: http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ --------------------------------------------------------- --- [This E-mail scanned for viruses by Declude Virus on the server aea8.k12.ia.us] --------------------------------------------------------- Archived messages from this list can be found at: http://www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ ---------------------------------------------------------
