This project is part of the Black History Month celebration because it supports a Black teacher or a school where the majority of the students are Black.
My Students
While opinions on standardized testing vary widely, the truth is they are here and students are expected to do well on them. This year, with the shift to PARCC and computer-based testing, my students need to practice thinking and articulating with a keyboard and not a pencil.
I teach reading and science to 75 fifth graders at an inner city charter school in Chicago.
Ninety-seven percent of our students receive free or reduced priced lunch. Many students do not have computers or tablets at home and even those who do, frequently do not have the Internet connection they need to make the most of the tools they do have. These students rely on school time and school technology to prepare them for life in the 21st century.
My students find working on a tablet highly motivating and enjoyable. I have more than ten students this year with IEPs who utilize any available technology to help them keep pace with their non-disabled peers.
Even last year my students showed some anxiety about moving away from our previous state test to the new PARCC test because of the need to articulate their thinking on a computer, under a time restriction.
My Project
The requested iPads, in conjunction with other classroom technology, will allow my students to practice answering 'extended response' questions on a keyboard, do research on a wide variety of topics, and increase typing speed.
Students will use programs like Kidblog to respond to teacher prompts on their daily reading, mini lessons and sample test questions. They will also enjoy playing "Science Derby" with technology. Students work in teams to answer a wide variety of science questions to help increase their familiarity with all science disciplines.
Students also like having iPads available to help us really embrace those teachable moments across the curriculum. When a student asks the inevitable question I do not know off the top of my head, instead of having to say, "I don't know, I'll get back to you", I can hand them an iPad and say, "Find out and report back to us." This also helps us learn about Internet safety, reliable webpages and web searching.
These iPads and their protective gear will help my students prepare for the upcoming computer-based standardized tests.
They will become more proficient typers, net-users and researchers. They will be able to learn Internet etiquette in a safe, school-contained environment and they will be able to think and articulate their thoughts as well on a keyboard as they can with a pencil.
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
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 Ms. Ricke and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
