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Goal

Our goal is to improve cognitive functioning, higher-level thinking, and dyslexia reading for our special learners to succeed. Our special learners will be able to read easier, stay focused, find the answers and improve comprehension. I could go on forever with statics and studies the impact color brings to the learning environment and the visual impact it makes on the brain. In the most basic summary, color text help reduces the contrast between the text and the background, improves the readability of the text, which reduces the eye strain and that, in turn, improves concentration and reading comprehension. Once their brains are trained in these areas, they should be able to ease into the upper grades of mostly black/white context. Color will also be a huge benefit for visuals for our self contained kiddos who will only respond to what is visually appealing and what relates to life-like images. Color reaches to synapses in the brain to build bridges, enhancing memory. Bold colors are easily remembered while lighter colors are easier to read and capture attention. 

What will be done with my students

With the use of a toner inkjet printer, we could print in color upwards of 7,000 prints before having to change the toner cartridge. With this projection, these cartridges will last us up to 6 years with over 1000 special learner students. I have many projects in mind for this printer, many measurable goals. I will focus on dyslexia as that one will have the most impact by this printer. Dyslexia shows lines in odd orders and this creates strong visual eye strain. It has been shown that the decrease in contrast can help with eye strain while using different colors can help the students recognize patterns in words. We will train the brain to look for these patterns by highlighting them in different, but still soft, colors. In addition, I could mention we can create educational games and laminate them to last for years rather than purchase educational materials (I don't have to tell you how expensive educational games/items are...). Games to increase comprehension, improve math skills and higher-level thinking cognitive abilities. We will create educational posters such as reminders to common mistakes, creative mindsets, emotional understanding using facial expressions. Visual schedules and reminders. 

Benefits to my students

We have students with dyslexia in the upper grades who cannot read on a kindergarten level. With dyslexia it is hard to keep up in other subject areas where they will be required to read to understand the material and directions. These students have a learning disability that unfortunately impacts all educational subject areas. They are capable of understanding the material however by the inability to ready they do not have access to the information. We will improve their reading level by training the brain to see patterns. Patterns first noticed by colors then eventually faded out as their brains learn to find them without the accommodations of color.
I am not a professional researcher or scientist myself so allow me this one quote that sums it up. "Color is a powerful design element that produces profound psychological and physiological reactions. Studies have shown a relationship between color preferences, emotions, and academic performance in students" (Boyatzis & Varghese, 1993; Imhof, 2004; Karp & Karp, 2001; O’Connor, Sofo, Kendall, & Olson, 1990; Terwogt & Hoeksma, 2001; Wilkins, 2003).  

Budget Narrative

HP Color LaserJet Pro M454dw Printer (W1Y45A) $298.90, HP 414X | W2020X | Toner Cartridge | Black | High Yield $168.99, HP 414X | W2023X | Toner Cartridge | Magenta | High Yield $229.99, HP 414X | W2022X | Toner Cartridge | Yellow | High Yield $229.99, HP 414X | W2021X | Toner Cartridge | Cyan | High Yield $229.99 

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