2025 WKAR Report
Overview:
At Ratkaj Designs, we talk a lot about the longevity of some of our partnerships—and the one we have with Renaissance Learning is one of our longest. For example—the 2025 “What Kids Are Reading” report is the sixth consecutive WKAR report we’ve worked on with the education technology leader.
Released annually, Renaissance’s What Kids Are Reading is a comprehensive analysis of student reading habits across the nation, with data from their flagship Accelerated Reader program. This year’s edition, centered on the theme “What Inspires You to Read,” features original student artwork throughout the publication.
We were given permission to push the boundaries of previous reports, and we took it! This year’s report included robust data visualization through expanded infographics that highlight the impact of just 15 minutes of daily reading across different grade levels. The report also includes grade-specific analytics and new "Inspired to Read" special sections that recognize both resilience-building literature and popular series that engage young readers.
Accessibility remained at the forefront of our design approach. Every element—from book listings to graphics—features complete alt text for screen readers, proper formatting for cognitive accessibility tools, and interactive functionality in the digital version. Map visualizations were enhanced with hover capabilities that reveal book titles and state information, making complex data more accessible to all users.
At 63 pages, this expanded report represents our commitment to creating informative, inspiring, and inclusive educational resources that serve educators, parents, and students nationwide. The design successfully balances data-rich content with visual appeal, maintaining Renaissance Learning's brand standards while celebrating the creativity of young readers.