My students need 5 tablets (with cases to be safe) to use daily for everything from reading groups, math instruction/practice, research, STEM projects and more.
Rita Pierson said, "Every Child deserves a Champion- an adult who understands the power of connection, who will not give up on them and insists that they become the best they can possibly be." I want to be one of the Champions that my students remember.
My school is wonderful.
With 1700 students, we are one of the largest in our county. Our population has changed drastically in the past few years. Many of our students come from poverty. Many are transient. I teach a 5th grade inclusion classroom. Almost half of my students have IEPs and receive collaborative, special education services for reading, writing, and math. One of my students just moved here from Africa in November. Almost a handful of the rest are on Tier 3 of Response to Intervention due to significant educational needs. The majority of the students in my class are on free and reduced lunch. Most don't come to school with needed supplies or have support at home due to parents working to make ends meet. Despite these obstacles, my students are the best! They come to school everyday with positive attitudes. They are kind, and they try their best to do what is asked of them. Daily they teach me. I am honored to be their Champion.
My Project
I plan to use the tablets daily with all students to provide engaging instruction, skills practice, differentiation, and accommodation for my students with IEPs. Currently a group of students rotate through specialized, self-paced reading and math instruction on the computer only once per week. With additional technology, I would be able to double those lessons which has been shown to improve progress. The tablets would allow me to have novel studies or literature circles where all students are reading the same novel. My students who are reading below grade level would be able to use audio versions or text to speak options on the tablets. I also plan use the tablets in our content areas of science and social studies. Instead of delivering information, I want to facilitate my students in finding the information for themselves. I would love for my students to spend more time researching and completing STEM projects.
I believe that our 21st century learners require technology to be equipped to live and work in the world we are sending them into.
My classroom has 1 laptop for every 4 students and only a few own personal devices. This additional technology would help level the playing field. Students who struggle academically will be more motivated to read, more engaged in instruction and empowered in their own education. Technology will give them access to worlds and experiences they have never before seen.
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