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
I teach first grade in a Title I school. My students are sweet, independent learners, and eager to share their knowledge with whomever walks through the door. They are clearly excited about being in "big school." My students enter the classroom with wide smiles and a big hug for their teacher.
My students are impressionable little people.
I have the pleasure of building, molding, and shaping their minds to become life-long learners. Most of them have very limited vocabulary and lack social interaction, while others are wise beyond their age.
The majority of my students come from a one-parent home. Some of them have one or both parents incarcerated. Therefore, regardless of what is going on at home, my students are thrilled to be at school. I do not allow their circumstances to become an excuse for them not to succeed.
My Project
Having technology in the classroom will enhance my students' ability to practice for high-stakes testing. Most students have experience using smart phones or tablets. However, my first graders are expected to complete all of their testing on a desk-top computer, in which they have not been trained or taught to use.
I have only one accessible computer for my students' use.
I am expected to teach twenty-two (22) first graders how to manipulate a computer keyboard. We have a computer lab but not a technology teacher. Taking twenty-two (22) students to the lab has often become a hassle because of the lack of support.
My students are expected to take four (4) different computerized tests! These tests are mandated by the school district. The Renaissance Star 360 test is an assessment that assesses 145 early literacy and numeracy skills in eight (8) key domains that are aligned to standards fro developing early literacy. They also take the Star Reading and Math.
The Benchmark tests are assessments that are formulated by the district. These assessments are given every nine (9) weeks in all subject areas. Stride Academy is an assessment that boosts student achievement through games and contest. Reading and Math are the primary focus for this assessment. Finally, the Accelerated Reader program is a program that encourages independent reading. The students read books on their level, then take a test to assess comprehension.
All of these tests are used as formative and summative assessments. The data is used to track the students' progress in order to meet the needs of the student.
The laptops will be used in the classroom so that my students will become familiar with and taught how to manipulate a computer keyboard. It will prepare them for the future.
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 Mrs. Tucker and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
