My students are part of a very rich academic history by living in Manchester, N.H. and learning at one of the state's oldest public high schools. I will share the sweetest words I heard this month from a student that only technology and sheer determination has made it possible for him to say. "My college application was accepted and I am going to be a full time college student this fall!" However, some of the learners did not hear that same response and had harder obstacles. Students in my classroom overcome academic difficulties with a range of disabilities, including specific learning disabilities, other health impairments, autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disabilities and come form a varying socio-economic situations that unfortunately include, homelessness, poverty, incoming refugees and more.
The high schoolers in my class read at varying levels from sixth grade text to college level comprehension While some struggle with basic phonics and number sense, others need higher level access for transition skills and college preparation.
This range of diversity in learning and future goals make it necessary for technology to attain all the varied levels of individualized objectives.
My Project
While being part of such a diverse school district gives my students advantages, they also have to deal with many challenges including limited technology in and out of the classroom. By adding four more Chromebooks, more students are able to use technology with individualized programming. I use technology daily for writing, research, honing vital transitions skills for job applications, and preparing for college. Headphones are another helpful tool for students with disabilities, because it allows learners to listen without disrupting others during their center work, as well as being a vital editing tool for text to speech and listening to their writing for editing purposes.
Our student base speaks more than 72 different language dialects and come from over 60 countries with a large diversity of socioeconomic backgrounds.
By providing 21st century learning technology in the form of Chromebooks and headphones, we add vital skills for success, technology for today and help empower youth to a brighter future.
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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. Perkins and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
