VCR/DVD Player

Some of my students are 9th graders who have failed a minimum of four out of six classes during their first semester. Many of my students feel they could never get out of 9th grade without this program, let alone graduate. I am trying to give them the confidence that they need to succeed and continue on to college, but they need help with the basics. The students that failed four or more classes are retaking all of their first semester classes with new teachers and a new outlook on their academic future. They rest of my students are also lower level students but they have not failed a minimum of four classes to be in the Save Our Students (S.O.S.) program.

In addition, I teach an after-school program one day a week that allows students to get help with their basic mathematical skills. This is a strictly voluntary program and the students had to request to be in it. Many of these students are also seen by me during the day for regular instruction and are using this opportunity for additional help. This program gives the students an additional 4 hours a week of instruction in Mathematics. It also allows for peer tutoring and homework help. I also teach another program one day a week that is an alternative to suspension program, giving students that used bad judgment, during regular school hours, an opportunity to get their education in a smaller class setting after school hours. Many students never get the opportunity to express themselves through math. All of my students, including the after school students, work on a presentation. Using the camcorder is voluntary, but it helps the students that are to nervous to speak in front of the class prepare or just record their presentation to show to the class. Many students stay after school daily to work on them. We have access to a camcorder, but we do not have access to a DVD/VCR player for the classroom.

Currently, we go to the media center to view our videos. It is difficult to get the entire class to the media center, when there are other classes or students in there at the same time. I am looking to get a DVD/VCR player for the classroom to allow the students to view their presentations. This is a great experience to prepare the students for college, allowing them to work on their presentation skills.

Your help will ensure that my students are constantly engaged and learning daily. Students learn when they can be individually challenged and enjoy what they are doing. The students will have many opportunities to view their presentations and fix them with the use of a DVD/VCR player. Imagine a classroom where students are engaged in learning and enjoying their lessons. You could make this possible!