Reasoning Mind, Inc. Using Technology to Close the Achievement Gap Presenter: Reid Whitaker, Principal, Port Houston Elementary NAESP 2010 Convention April 9 th, 2010

2 Opening Question How do the realities of 21st century technology affect a teaching model that was designed for the 19th century?

3 Technology in the Classroom Today: 5 th graders report using computers just 24 minutes a week in school 8 th graders report using computers just 38 minutes a week in school “Teachers use computers to supplement and reinforce the existing teaching model. As such, computers add cost, while failing to revolutionize the classroom experience” – US Dept. of Education Report on Technology

4 Theory of Change: Incorporating Technology into the Classroom in the 21 st Century: Previously: Computer programs available are merely on-screen textbooks. Programs do not adapt to student inputs; all students see the same thing, regardless of answers given. Non-customizable – all students take the same path through the program. Today: Animated, interactive programs that engage student interest. Programs adapt to student inputs – what each child sees varies, depending on the inputs given. Highly customizable – each students takes an individual path through the program, at their own pace.

5 New Role of Teacher: Traditional Classroom : With Technology : 1.Teachers give the same lecture to the whole class. 2.Teachers use planning time to create one-size- fits-all lessons 3.The majority of a teacher’s time is spent creating assignments and assessments, and then grading those assignments and assessments. 1.Teachers use class time to work one-on-one with students. 2.Teachers use planning time to create customized intervention plans. 3.Teachers can devote their time to a detailed analysis of each student’s performance through automated reports.

6 New Student Experience: Students become active participants in their own learning. Students receive instant feedback to their answers. The program diagnoses and remedies gaps in prior knowledge. Students enjoy a flexible and varied path of study.

7 Proven Benefits to Students: Increased Time on Task: Studies have shown that time on task in a classroom where students are engaged in computer-based learning is much higher than in a traditional classroom Source: Worthen, Van Dusen, & Sailor, 1994

8 Proven Benefits to Students: Improved Student Attitudes Towards Learning: After using Reasoning Mind, an online mathematics curriculum, over 70% of the students indicated they either liked math a whole lot more or more than they did previously before the program. Source: Waxman & Houston, 2008

9 Proven Benefits to Students: Increased Face-to-Face Interaction: 80% of a typical teacher’s time is spent preparing to teach, teaching, and testing. Freed from routine tasks, teachers can create individualized intervention plans, increasing the timeliness and frequency of direct instruction for the students who need it most. Source: Christensen, 2008

10 Proven Benefits to Students: High Quality Curriculum in Every Classroom: Administrators using a web- based curriculum can be assured that a program of study will be delivered in a consistent manner across all classrooms, with appropriate content and pedagogies. Source: Christensen, 2008

11 Proven Benefits to Students: A Classroom that Meets Every Student’s Needs: Technology that adjusts the path of learning for each student and provides multiple learning modes to practice skills has been shown to dramatically boost student achievement. Sources: Schacter, 2001; Sivin-Kachala, 1998; Wenglinsky, 1998

12 Case Study VIDEO: Reasoning Mind: A tool for closing the US mathematics achievement gap Teachers and administrators talk about the dramatic impact of adopting Reasoning Mind in their schools.

13 Students Are Engaged  Are taught at their pace and level of ability  Have their weaknesses diagnosed and remedied automatically  Collaborate and compete with each other  Enjoy prizes, math games, and the Genie As a result, students become engaged in learning math and develop confidence in their abilities.

14 Students Get Excited About Math: Students Say… Liked learning math in RM92% Like math more than before after using RM76% Would consider a job that uses math after RM81%

15 Teachers Love RM Percentage of teachers who were satisfied or extremely satisfied with their overall RM experience 96% Percentage of teachers who were satisfied or extremely satisfied with the professional development RM provides Percentage of teachers who were satisfied or extremely satisfied with the support RM provided 95% 100%

16 Panel Discussion 30 mins Reid Whitaker, Principal – Port Houston Elementary Karen Jackson, Principal – Cornelius Elementary Lisa Davis, Principal – Angleton High School Mable Holt, Principal – Wilson Academy

17 Question and Answer 20 mins