Using Technology to Using Technology to Meet the Needs of Meet the Needs of Diverse LearnersDiverse Learners

A Digital PortfolioA Digital PortfolioBy Beth KovalcikBy Beth Kovalcik

33rdrd Grade Teacher Grade TeacherMinadeo Elementary, PittsburghMinadeo Elementary, Pittsburgh

-Beth Kovalcik-Beth Kovalcik

““How has the integration of How has the integration of technology allowed me to technology allowed me to reach the diverse learning reach the diverse learning needs of my students in new needs of my students in new and better ways?”and better ways?”

Keystone’s Essay Focus:Keystone’s Essay Focus:

Instructional Strategies In My Instructional Strategies In My Classroom Involving Classroom Involving

Technology Integration…Technology Integration…

Data Driven Instruction To Assess Student Data Driven Instruction To Assess Student Needs Using SchoolNet TechnologiesNeeds Using SchoolNet Technologies

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Increasing the Home-School Connection Increasing the Home-School Connection Using A Classroom WebsiteUsing A Classroom Website

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Creation of a Waterford Early Reading Creation of a Waterford Early Reading Program Third Grade Lab Program Third Grade Lab

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Data Driven Instruction To Assess Data Driven Instruction To Assess Student Needs Using School NetStudent Needs Using School Net

SchoolNet is a technology tool that my school district uses to put data to work to assess performance,analyze trends and individualize instruction. As a SchoolNet Certified Trainer, I have the ability to use SchoolNet not only for my classroom, but for my entire school!

Joey Jenny Johnny Jimmy

Melissa Mindy Mark Melanie

Sammy Cindy

Students’ Needs...Students’ Needs...

AAnalyzing and Interpreting Literaturenalyzing and Interpreting Literature

Third graders participate in literature circles to help improve their ability to analyze and interpret literature.

Pennsylvania Reading Standard 1.3

Technology Used

School Net Reading Mastery Groupings

www.litcircles.org

Students’ Needs...Students’ Needs...

Collecting, Reporting and Analyzing DataCollecting, Reporting and Analyzing DataPennsylvania Mathematics Standard 2.6

Third graders complete a daily survey using Microsoft Excel. They then compare the class results to that of the Yahooligans Daily Poll results.

Technology Used

SchoolNet Math Class Report

Microsoft Excel

Yahooligans.com Daily Poll

Increasing the Increasing the Home-School Connection Home-School Connection

Using A Classroom WebsiteUsing A Classroom Website

Minadeo103.tripod.com

Home-School Home-School Curriculum ConnectionCurriculum Connection

Students and their families can go to the Classroom Web Links page in my site to access links that offer reinforcement, challenge and fun!

Home-School Home-School Communication ConnectionCommunication Connection

Parents can visit the Handouts page in my site to access papers (downloadable Word documents) handed out in class such as permission slips, forms, notices and study guides.

Home-School Home-School Classroom ConnectionClassroom Connection

Students can visit the Class Bulletin Board to post their ideas and questions. They can view the Weekly Challenge for a math problem solving challenge!

“Parents and teachers need to be partners in our children’s education.  Mrs. Kovalcik’s classroom website allows that to occur easily.  It is a useful tool to keep me updated on activities in the classroom.  I can also access review worksheets to help my child with assignments.  Most importantly, my child enjoys using the website.  Besides accessing the math weekly challenge, my child accesses educational games and a reading site that has helped her to improve her reading skills. The classroom website is a wonderful resource for parents and students.”

-Mrs. Judith Kadosh

Increasing the Home-School Connection Increasing the Home-School Connection Using A Classroom Website:Using A Classroom Website:

What the parents have to say...What the parents have to say...

Increasing the Home-School Connection Increasing the Home-School Connection Using A Classroom Website:Using A Classroom Website:

What the parents have to say...What the parents have to say...

“It is wonderful to know that I can go to the site at any time for information pertaining to Katie's classroom.  We have used it throughout the year to search for science assignments, help with homework, and study guides.  It also keeps us informed about upcoming special events.  Of course, Katie loves the links to the various learning games, as well.  We appreciate all your hard work in keeping this website up-to-date.  It is a great communication tool for teachers, parents, and children to work as a team.”

 -Carol Walter

Meeting Diverse Needs:Meeting Diverse Needs:Creating a Waterford Early Reading Creating a Waterford Early Reading

Program Third Grade labProgram Third Grade lab

The Waterford Early Reading Program™ is a comprehensive, research-based curriculum that teaches children how to read and write. It is one of the nation's first research-based, technology-driven reform models in early reading instruction.

Meeting Diverse Needs:Meeting Diverse Needs:Creating a Waterford Early Reading Creating a Waterford Early Reading

Program Third Grade labProgram Third Grade lab

Although Waterford is only available to students K-2 in the Pittsburgh Public Schools, I took the initiative to set up a Waterford Third Grade Lab to help third grade readers.

Meeting Diverse Needs:Meeting Diverse Needs:Creating a Waterford Early Reading Creating a Waterford Early Reading

Program Third Grade labProgram Third Grade lab

First, I solicited the help of third grade parents and grandparents.

Meeting Diverse Needs:Meeting Diverse Needs:Creating a Waterford Early Reading Creating a Waterford Early Reading

Program Third Grade labProgram Third Grade lab

Everyday during private reading time, a small group of students, monitored by a parent volunteer, head down to the Waterford mini-lab where they work on reading skills targeted to their specific needs. Now, students who were once reluctant to read during this time, look forward to the engaging and meaningful reading activities provided by Waterford.