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Goal

My goal is to have more classroom laptops to help my students achieve their goals and increase their reading abilities as shown by FSA and STAR assessment scores.

This year in my intensive reading classes, my students are continuing their work with the online reading program Achieve 3000. Achieve3000 allows students to work on their “just right level”. This program allows practice with writing skills, vocabulary practice as well as reading comprehension questions that aligns perfectly to English Language Arts (ELA) Florida State Standards, for each of the three grade levels I teach and the ELL standards. This research based program allows me to differentiate their instruction, by choosing articles based on skill weaknesses and topics that are interesting to them. I also can assign articles based on which Florida State ELA Standard I wish my students to work on. My students in the past to show great grains on STAR assessment as well as FSA because of the use of Achieve3000.

Currently I have 71 students in my intensive reading classes and 23 in Critical Thinking. 45% of these students are English Language Learners (ELL) students, some of which speak little to no English. 12% of my students are classified ESE or have a 504 plan, having extra computers in my room will allow me to help meet these students’ accommodations and differentiate their instructional needs. Working one-on-one or in small groups with students really can make a huge difference. All 71 of my intensive reading students are classified as part of the “lowest 30%”, according to their ELA FSA score from Spring 2019, meaning I have the lowest of the low at our school. These students need all the extra support and time they can using the online programs, to improve their FSA ELA scores.
 

What will be done with my students

My students will work on Achieve 3000 articles that are individualized to appropriately challenge each student at or above his or her reading level. The progress between classes is tracked on a goal wall chart highlighting which students are making the most growth. Along with the five laptops that were graciously funded last year and 3 more laptops I’m requesting this year, almost every student will have their own. The 2-4 students not working online, I can implement small group with me on a rotation schedule. This allows me to plan for the interests of the group learning. Small groups will allow me to build relationships with my students, and address each students’ every changing strengths and weaknesses. The majority of intensive reading students struggle with behavior as well because, let's face it, they don't like to read! Being able to engage them fully with an interactive online program and small group engagement school will become more effective for my students.

In order to help my students succeed and to improve their reading skills the extra classroom laptops will be a major help. The laptops would not only allow students extra time with the online reading programs, it would also allow me to work with smaller groups while the other students are working online. Working in small groups allows me to differentiate instruction to fit their needs and improve upon their weaknesses. Using Achive3000 has allowed me to set goals for my students. We are currently working on a class completion, which motivates students to try harder, while in turn improves their reading skills. Achieve3000 allows me to pull report of specific reading skills. This is another way I can see what their strengths and weaknesses are. I can use data from Achieve, STAR, and FSA to know exactly what skills I need to focus on with each student. I have the ability to assign specific articles that will give questions based on their specific weak skills. I check these weakly.

Having these laptops would also allow me to help those ELL (English Language Learner) students who need help improve their English skills. English. Our district has access to the amazing online program Rosetta Stone, which has allowed students to learn English at their own pace. While groups are working online to master English, I can also work one-on-one or in small groups to help my ELL students with English phonics, vocabulary, and fluency practice.
 

Benefits to my students

The benefit of having 3 additional classroom laptops will allow me to have three more students actively engaged on online reading programs that strengthen their reading and comprehension and in return allow me to work with smaller groups, which will help improve student’s reading scores and achievement. These students are more confident working at their individual reading levels on the computer because the other students cannot tell which level they are working on. While students are working online, I can give more detailed attention to my small group lessons. Having three extra students engaged with the online reading program allows me to work with smaller independent groups that are focused on their weak skills. These laptops and computer mice will benefit all of my students this year and for many years to come.  

Budget Narrative

I am requesting THREE Dell laptops:
Dell Latitude 3190 11.6in-Celeron-N4100-4GB-128GB M.2-SSD; Non-Touch; Win 10 Pro 64-bit;
at $325.00 each.
for a total of $975 

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