The news article/ recording above focuses on the Scholastics Software, Read 180. This is a computer based software that assists in improving students' reading skills and informing the teacher of the skill gaps in the classroom. Asbury Park School District has begun implementing this software in their schools to improve test scores of ELL students and those who are struggling in reading. In the article, opposing views are presented about this program and its use in New Jersey schools.
The Asbury Park school district qualifies for state funding because it houses many immigrants from Haiti and Mexico and are in need of these tools to tend to their needs. At first sight of the program, the teachers were against it because they feared their ELL students would not be able to understand the technology. However, when they began to recognize improvement in students' reading skills, they continued on with it. This software is beneficial to teachers as well because it informs them on what they need to pay more attention to and teach more in detail. Other opposing views include the lack of visuals such as: seeing the teacher's mouth move as she/he reads, and lack of facials and body language to distinguish emotions. There is also the issue of typing v. writing, and how writing is a better and faster way for students to grasp knowledge.
Regardless of the views, this article points out that Read 180 has really benefited students in improving test scores and their reading skills. I believe this can be an amazing tool to use as an English teacher. This tool could be used not only with ELL students, but also with students with disabilities and the overall student body. I think any child or young adult could really benefit from this program because it targets specific needs and classifies students depending on their skills and/or lack of. It also can assist me as a teacher to know what I need to teach more of and what the students are struggling with. Both students and teachers learn to be more efficient in their work through this program. Although it is a bit costly, I truly hope this is an investment that many schools will eventually look into because it could raise test scores in NJ and build on students' knowledge in general.
Would you use this in your classroom? Why or why not?
I would absolutely use this software in my classroom! Computer based software is able to interact and gage students achievement in ways that teachers can not. Thee programs can help teachers create individualized learning targets and programs to help each student achieve. Differentiated instruction to this level is not possible with the time constraints and number of students each teacher has. These programs have to potential to completely change the way teachers approach their student's learning needs.
ReplyDeleteEmily, thanks for your post. Glad to see you are thinking ahead about resources you plan to use.
ReplyDeleteI really like this software! I like that the program can personalize what a student needs to work on or achieve. By individualizing students needs, teachers and students are able to work together and meet a particular goal. Since all students work differently and have different speed of progress, this software helps bridge the gaps in the necessary amount of time. There is one teacher and several students, this software helps break down issues in a very fair and concise manner. This is a great resource that can change teaching for the better in several ways. Great post Emily!
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