My students need dictation technology to help struggling students get their ideas down on paper. Using an ipod, students can use speech to text and get started writing!
Over half of my class has some sort of special need or learning disability. Some of them are receiving help through special education, but others don't qualify as their struggle isn't currently recognized (dyslexia for example). With the right help and guidance these students can thrive, too.
My 6th-7th-8th grade students live in the Pacific Northwest.
Our charter school is small, new, and full of energy. We strive to be life-long learners and be active, positive role models in our community. The lack of resources limits our initial attempts, but our passionate teachers are willing to put in the extra time and energy to make our school better and give our students the best chance of success. Teaching English/language arts, and science takes a lot of planning, supplies, and materials, but it sure is a rewarding and fun life!
My Project
These iPods have the capability to let students who struggle with language to use speech-to-text and text-to-speech applications to get their ideas out of their heads and down on papers. They still have to edit, revise, and work hard as the rest of my students do, but it helps even the playing field by allowing these struggling students a way to begin writing. It's so hard to watch a student who is creative, smart, funny, and capable completely shut down because their brain has a disconnect somewhere between the idea and the pencil and paper. Dictation technology allows students who struggle the chance to be writers, to share in the writing process with the class, to reach for success and grab it.
The iPods will be used for other accommodations as well, such as music for students who need help focusing and math and language games for practice. A few of my 6-8th graders are working on a 2nd grade level. They need help now to not only catch up, but keep from falling farther behind.
My class is very unique in that it has such a high population of students with special needs.
I almost do not teach a "regular education" class anymore. The hardest part for me is knowing how capable these students are, and watching them struggle every day with even simple tasks. This technology could make the difference for many of my students, and could follow them up through future grades at our small charter school. Thank you in advance, for any help you can give, big or small.
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mrs. Nilsen and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
