This project is a part of the Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month celebration because
it supports a Latino teacher or a school where the majority of students are Latino.
My Students
The bell has rung and role has been called. Everyone is present and eager to start our reading lesson using our newly adopted online reading curriculum. I project the website onto the whiteboard for all the students to see as I guide them through each activity.
My fifth-grade students are urban, low-income English language learners.
Many of their families are working hard at two minimum wage jobs to support their families, but understand the value of education and support us in whatever way possible. Most of the students receive free or reduced lunch and cannot afford, at times, the basic necessities for school such as notebooks and binders. Nevertheless, when given the opportunity, these children shine. They are hard workers and rise to the expectations presented to them, especially as Dual Language students.
Our school district has committed to providing our students access to the technology these students need to compete in this 21st century world. They have upgraded our technology infrastructure, invested in teacher laptops and provided school computer labs. What is missing is the opportunity for students to work consistently, daily on their own with their own devices.
My Project
With six iPad Minis, once my students receive the whole class lesson with me, I can create a center where students can access the curriculum via their personal log in information and work on the individualized learning plans designed specifically to target their reading needs. The program allows for me to track student progress so that when I do meet with students in a small group, I can present very specific skills-based lessons that will move the student forward in their reading fluency or comprehension.
Another advantage to having six tablets in the classroom is to be able to have students work in small groups on lessons, not just in reading, but Social Studies or Math as well. The Common Core stresses the need to work collaboratively and technology adds a more sophisticated element to their group presentations as well as honing their online research skills.
We are always hearing the complaints from the public that students don't seem to be prepared for college or the work place once they graduate high school.
Well, without the tools in schools to expose students to the type of work that will be required of them, how can we be expected to close this gap? Giving teachers the opportunity to incorporate technology into the daily learning environment is one positive step in the right direction.
Nearly all students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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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. MOSBY and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
