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17.05.2010
Renaissance Learning and Raintree Publishers encourage primary school literacy with free poster and Library of Doom book offer
Renaissance Learning UK Ltd, producer of the world's most widely used web-based reading software, Accelerated Reader (AR) Advantage, and leading children's book publishers Raintree (formerly Heinemann Library) have collaborated to produce a special poster featuring 'Archie - the AR Reading Bug' and 'The Librarian' from the popular 'Library of Doom' series of children's books.
Click here to your order your FREE 'Library of Doom' Literacy Pack.
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12.05.2010
Personalised practice boosts mental maths skills in a flash
Renaissance Learning UK Ltd, producer of the world's most successful maths software, Accelerated Maths (AM) Advantage and MathsFacts in a Flash, welcomes the call of Welsh Inspection body Estyn for greater emphasis on mental and written calculation.
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16.03.2010
Alesha Dixon, Kano, Noel Clarke and Reggie Yates star in poster campaign to encourage reading
Strictly Come Dancing judge and pop star Alesha Dixon, award winning British rapper Kano, BAFTA winning actor and director Noel Clarke and presenter and actor Reggie Yates are appearing in a poster campaign to promote reading to young people. The Passion for Knowledge posters are produced in association with the National Literacy Trust and sponsored by Renaissance Learning UK Ltd.
Click to request a set of FREE 'Passion for Knowledge' posters.
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01.03.2010
Report reveals British schoolchildren's reading habits
An exclusive report launched today, 1st March, entitled 'What Kids Are Reading: The Book-Reading Habits of Pupils in British Schools 2010' which is essential reading for anyone who has an interest in the literacy of British schoolchildren. The second of its kind, the report includes reading records of almost 100,000 children, aged between five and 16 years, in 664 schools who read over 1,189,396 books.
Click here to request a copy of 'What Kids Are Reading 2010'.
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01.02.2010
Over 130,000 register for Renaissance Learning's 'Read to a Million Kids' World Book Day initiative
Over 130,000 children from schools and public libraries across the UK have already committed to take part in Renaissance Learning's unique, free 'Read to a Million Kids' initiative, which aims to have a million children participating on World Book Day - Thursday 4th March 2010. Every school that registers at www.readtoamillionkids.co.uk will also receive a free poster of 'Archie, the AR reading bug'.
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14.12.2009
UK pupils encouraged to solve 'Book of Shadows' mystery in latest 'Quest for Knowledge' mission from children's Author Justin Richards
Open to all UK Primary and Secondary schools, the latest 'mission' in Renaissance Learning's 'Quest for Knowledge' comes from popular children's Author Justin Richards. A writer of numerous books, audio scripts, television and stage plays, Justin has based his 'mission' around Eddie - the star of The Death Collector and The Parliament of Blood. UK school children are encouraged to solve the mystery of 'The Book of Shadows' for the chance to win exclusive prizes and the opportunity to interview Justin.
Free to enter until 1st March 2010 at www.watchthemgrow.co.uk/quest, the 'Quest' culminates at Renaissance Learning's National Conference. Taking place at the Holiday Inn, Stratford-upon-Avon, on 18-19th March 2010, this exciting event will be opened by Professor David Jesson and feature talks and presentations from leading Authors, such as Jacqueline Wilson and new Children's Laureate Anthony Browne.
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09.11.2009
Reading 'rockets' as quizzes exceed 50,000 a week at Accelerated Reader schools
Originally developed in the US to raise literacy standards and promote reading for pleasure amongst children of all ages and abilities through fun, motivational quizzes, the world's most successful web-based reading software is now used by over 2,500 UK schools.
Accurately testing a pupils' ability to understand what they have read, Accelerated Reader (AR) quizzes are instantly marked and automatically generate detailed reports for both pupil and teacher. Over the past few years the number of AR quizzes taken every day has grown significantly, and has now 'rocketed' passed 10,000 a day.
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02.11.2009
Scream Street Author Tommy Donbavand encourages UK pupils to 'think like a vampire' in latest 'Quest for Knowledge' mission
This month popular children's Author Tommy Donbavand is offering a fantastic prize to the pupil that writes the best short story about what it would be like if they woke up one morning to discover they had turned into a vampire. The author of the best short short will be immortalised as a character in one of Tommy's future Scream Street books.
Open to all UK Primary and Secondary schools, the latest 'mission' is free to enter at www.watchthemgrow.co.uk/quest or click here to see a video by Tommy explaining what to do.
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22.10.2009
London pupils take part in "Monster" reading event with leading Authors
London schools have been invited to send pupils to help 'free' leading children's Authors - such as Joe Craig, Sam Enthoven and Mark Robson - that have been "Trapped by AR Monsters" at a free reading event at Pizza Express on Chelsea's Kings Road on Thursday 22nd October 2009.
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01.10.2009
Mokee Joe author Peter J Murray focuses on football in latest 'Quest for Knowledge' mission
Open to all UK Primary and Secondary schools, each of the 'missions' in Renaissance Learning's 'Quest for Knowledge' have challenged and enthralled pupils in equal measure. But unlike the others, popular children's author Peter J Murray's 'mission' really gives their little grey cells a work-out with a football related maths problem. However, help is at hand in the form of his Mokee Joe character - particularly in the second book of the trilogy: Mokee Joe Recharged.
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28.09.2009
Winning sunflowers selected in national 'Watch Them Grow' competition
Renaissance Learning's 'Watch Them Grow' sunflower-growing competition has now reached full bloom, and the tallest sunflowers - as well as those with the biggest heads - have been selected from the thousands of schools that participated.
Despite the varied weather conditions over the last few months, two Primary and two Secondary schools have been deemed to have grown the winning sunflowers in terms of height and biggest sunflower head.
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23.09.2009
Scottish Learning Festival 2009
Renaissance Learning will be demonstrated the world's most widely used reading and maths software - Accelerated Reader Advantage and Accelerated Maths Advantage - along with new features for NEO 2 and 'Text2Speech', on stand B3 at the Scottish Learning Festival.
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09.09.2009
Renaissance Learning's 'quiet reading revolution' gathers pace
In response to a recent study, author Michael Rosen commented on the lack of 'whole book reading' that takes place in UK primary schools. This is a concern shared by many, including New York Times best-selling author GP Taylor
However, this criticism cannot be levelled at all schools as a quiet reading revolution is gathering pace at those that have introduced Renaissance Learning's Accelerated Reader program.
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01.09.2009
Award-winning author explores Ancient Egypt and WWI in the latest 'Quest for Knowledge' mission from Renaissance Learning
Open to both Primary and Secondary school pupils from across the UK, the latest 'mission' from Renaissance Learning's 'Quest for Knowledge' comes from Carnegie Medal-winning author Theresa Breslin. Primary pupils are invited to journey back to Ancient Egypt with Cy from her Dream Master series of books, whilst the Secondary 'mission' takes inspiration from her critically acclaimed book Remembrance.
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22.06.2009
Renaissance Learning program accelerates literacy standards in UK schools
Whilst the 'English at the Crossroads' Ofsted report blames "no better than satisfactory" standards of English teaching for the slow rate of improvement in primary and secondary schools, it fails to acknowledge the significant success achieved by the many using Renaissance Learning's Accelerated Reader program.
More than 74,000 schools across the world continue to improve their standards of literacy in a way that is cost-effective, simple to administer and provides personalised learning for pupils of all abilities. Furthermore, the program has proved particularly effective in motivating reluctant readers - especially boys - and encouraging reading for pleasure.
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15.06.2009
Renaissance Learning helps pupils in UK and Africa see 'STARS' in new fundraising event
Renaissance Learning, together with its AlphaSmart division, is proud to launch the 'STARS for Africa' fundraising event that is aiming to help pupils of all abilities in both the UK and Africa.
By simply 'donating' as little as 10 minutes of a pupil's time in the UK, schools that use the Accelerated Reader Advantage program can do their bit to help a school in Africa become the proud owners of a NEO by AlphaSmart, the favourite classroom writing tool for many UK schools. For every 2,000 STAR Reading tests taken between 22nd and 26th June 2009, Renaissance Learning will donate a NEO to a school in Africa.
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01.06.2009
Best-selling authors help UK schoolchildren in Renaissance Learning's 'Quest for Knowledge'
Following the successful launch of the 'Watch Them Grow' initiative and sunflower-growing competition, Renaissance Learning is proud to announce a further opportunity for UK schools to win fantastic prizes, whilst testing their mental skills and encouraging reading for pleasure.
Renaissance Learning's 'Quest for Knowledge' allows UK pupils to pit their wits against a host of best-selling authors, such as Peter J Murray or 'Mokee Joe' fame, 'The Parliament of Blood' author Justin Richards, Carnegie Medal winning writer Theresa Breslin and New York Times best-selling author GP Taylor.
 
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19.05.2009
Renaissance Learning present 'Room to Read' charity donation following World Book Day fundraising
Following the efforts of Accelerated Reader quiz users on this year's World Book Day, Christine Brooks, Implementation Supervisor, was delighted to present a cheque for £435 on behalf of Renaissance Learning to Abigail King from 'Room to Read'. The money will be used by the charity to promote reading amongst underprivileged children in South Africa.
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28.04.2009
AlphaSmart's NEO now offers greater functionality
AlphaSmart, a division of Renaissance Learning, is pleased to announce some significant and important updates for its NEO and NEO 2 writing tools.
'Text2Speech' utilises NEO's in-built infrared facility to allow writers to hear what they have written, letter by letter, word by word or sentence by sentence through headphones or speakers. The software can be customised for students of all levels by selecting settings for automatic read-back, volume and speed. Like all AlphaSmart products, 'Text2Speech' has a massive battery life of over 30,000 words from just two AA batteries.
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28.04.2009
UK schools encouraged to 'Watch Them Grow' in new sunflower growing competition from Renaissance Learning
This week sees the official launch of the 'Watch Them Grow' campaign and sunflower growing competition from Renaissance Learning.
Every primary and secondary school in the UK has been sent a packet of seeds and a poster containing hints and tips on how to get their sunflowers off to the best possible start. Over the course of the coming months, additional materials and suggestions for classroom activities will be sent to schools that, in turn, will be able to upload pictures and messages to the 'Watch Them Grow' website (www.watchthemgrow.co.uk).
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07.04.2009
Renaissance Learning 'Reading Champions' winners announced
Renaissance Learning UK Ltd is delighted to announce that Britannia Village Primary School has won two pairs of two tickets to the World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (WWE®) RAW event on 20th April at the O2 Arena in London.
A further 10 runner-up schools from across the UK won WWE® merchandise packs.
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06.04.2009
Accelerated Reader 'raises the game' in footballer's influence on children's reading
The findings of a recent National Literacy study into the influence of role models on children's reading habits highlight the importance of footballers and other sports stars - particularly those from poorer backgrounds.
Although anything that encourages children to pick up a book should be applauded, maintaining their interest and developing a life-long love of reading is a different challenge altogether. However, Renaissance Learning's acclaimed Accelerated Reader Advantage program is doing just that with over 240,000 children across the UK using it everyday.
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03.04.2009
Continuous assessment key to success in literacy and numeracy
Commenting on the primary and secondary league table revelation that over 150,000 children are unable to read, write and add up properly by the time they are aged 11, Schools minister Sarah McCarthy-Fry said: "We are committed to ensuring that pupils who fall behind are spotted quickly and support is in place to help them."
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03.04.2009
Children's reading on the rise in Conwy
One primary school in Conwy is causing a stir when it comes to raising literacy standards amongst schoolchildren in Wales. Although a recent report from Estyn suggests that primary school pupils in Wales are not making enough progress in reading and writing, Ysgol Gynradd Bro Cernyw has found Renaissance Learning's Accelerated Reader program has "created an interest in books, and done so at age nine to 11, which is quite an achievement", according to Deputy Head Teacher Rhodri Evans.
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27.03.2009
Godmanchester Primary named UK's first 'Model School'
Renaissance Learning UK Ltd is delighted to announce that Godmanchester Primary has joined an elite group of schools worldwide by being awarded 'Model School' status by Renaissance Learning.
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23.03.2009
'Outstanding' literacy software available at Education Show 2009
Following the recent announcement that three of the 12 secondary schools highlighted by Ofsted as 'outstanding' use Accelerated Reader, visitors to the Education Show will be able to see Renaissance Learning's acclaimed literacy program in action for themselves on stand IT-P40 at the Birmingham NEC.
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18.03.2009
White paper questions academic assessment systems
A lack of cost benefit analysis in schools is leading to unnecessary implementations of expensive literacy and numeracy technologies, reveals a recent white paper. The report published today by Renaissance Learning, and entitled "Reflections Regarding Assessment, Reading and Maths Instructions in the US and England" questions current literacy and numeracy assessment systems that overlook the need for daily and monthly assessments in schools.
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16.03.2009
Everyone's a winner with 'Reading Champions' poster campaign
As part of its continuing commitment to the National Literacy Trust, Renaissance Learning UK Ltd is again funding a set of posters designed to promote reading that are available free to schools across the country.
This year the posters feature stars of American wrestling and - judging by the demand so far - are certainly a 'hit' with schools. A National Literacy Trust initiative, Reading Champions is working in partnership with World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. (WWE
®) to use the motivational power of reading role models to inspire children to read more.
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13.03.2009
Record 8,700 books read in one day by UK students
Renaissance Learning celebrates with Room to Read children's charity this week by donating £435 from its World Book Day challenge. Teaming the company's aims with those of World Book Day, to encourage children to explore the pleasures of books and reading, Renaissance Learning reported an astounding 8,700 books were read on Thursday 5th March at its user schools across the UK.
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12.03.2009
Ofsted report highlights AR schools as 'outstanding'
A recent Ofsted publication asked the question "Why do some schools succeed brilliantly against all the odds while others in more favourable circumstances struggle?" The report produced evidence-based answers to this question by drawing on the practice, experience and ambition of 12 secondary schools - identifying the ways in which they achieved excellence, sustain excellence and share excellence.
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09.03.2009
Best-selling authors promote accelerating learning in literacy at Renaissance Learning Scottish Symposium
Renaissance Learning UK Ltd will be hosting their first Scottish Symposium on Accelerating Learning in Literacy on Thursday 19th March 2009.
Taking place at Sandeman House, home of the Scottish Book Trust - a superb venue situated just off the Royal Mile in the centre of Edinburgh's Old Town - the event is aimed at promoting literacy best practices among Scottish primary and secondary schools.
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09.03.2009
AlphaSmart promote NEO 2 at E-Safety and Digital Innovation Event
AlphaSmart, a division of Renaissance Learning, will be attending the Buckinghamshire ICT E-Safety and Digital Innovation Conference and Exhibition on Thursday 12th March.
This years event has two themes: e-safety and the launch of the Buckinghamshire Learning Portal (BLP), and is aimed at primary school teaching staff.
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10.02.2009
Renaissance Learning and the National Literacy Trust 'flex their muscles' to promote reading
Renaissance Learning UK Ltd, together with the National Literacy trust, was delighted to unveil its latest collection of free posters for schools, designed to encourage children to read, at the recent Renaissance Learning Symposium.
Whilst previous years have featured footballers, for 2009, stars of American wrestling prove that "Champions Read" - and judging by the initial reaction, the posters look set to be a hit with children.
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09.02.2009
AlphaSmart believes 'Every SENCO Matters' at Surrey Conference
AlphaSmart, a division of Renaissance Learning, will be attending the 'Every SENCO Matters' event at Sandown Park Racecourse in Esher, Surrey, on 12th February 2009.
Specifically targeted towards Primary SENCO's, the conference brings together four keynote speakers to explore the most challenging areas now facing them on a daily basis.
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26.01.2009
3,500 or 300,000? Renaissance Learning boosts literacy and numeracy for all schoolchildren
Renaissance Learning supports any attempt to raise standards of literacy and numeracy in UK schools. So although we welcome the fact that some pupils have received one-to-one tuition in English and mathematics, like many others we are disappointed that the figure is so far short of the 300,000 intended.
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28.11.2008
Counting the cost of raising literacy standards
Dedicated to raising the standards of literacy and numeracy in UK schools, Renaissance Learning welcomes the results achieved by the 3-years Every Child a Reader pilot scheme published today.
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22.10.2008
AR and NEO 2 send Godmanchester Primary to the top of the class
Godmanchester Community Primary School in Cambridgeshire have been successfully using Renaissance Learning's Accelerated Reader (AR) program for over 10 years now, and have found it to be a very useful tool for not only motivating pupils to read, but also providing a detailed diagnostic record of their performance. Perhaps more importantly, the vast majority of pupils enjoy using AR, and respond positively to the challenge that it presents them.
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20.10.2008
Win with Renaissance Learning and AlphaSmart at BETT 2009
Renaissance Learning UK Limited, together with its AlphaSmart division, is pleased to announce that we will once again be attending the annual BETT Show on 17-19th January 2009.
Visitors to Stand C16 on any day of the show will be able to win a set of five NEO 2s if they register their details.
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10.10.2008
"What Kids Are Reading" Report Finds Boys Read at a Higher Level than Girls at a Younger Age
For the first time, comprehensive research has been conducted into the actual reading habits of boys and girls in UK schools Years 3-11 using Renaissance Learning's Accelerated Reader (AR) program, which holds the world's largest database of student book-reading behaviour. Featuring a foreword by Jonathan Douglas, Director of the National Literacy Trust; the leading charity of the National Year of Reading - the report analyses over 29,000 pupils in more than 600 UK schools.
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