Week+4+Reflection

I really enjoyed reading about some of the options the CAST site listed as ways to be flexible in "Expression and Strategic Support." I understand the need for ways to match our instruction, which uses all networks to reach all learners, with our assessment. All state tests and college intrance exam are paper and pencil. If we know students learn in different ways, and we know they should be presented the opportunity to express their learning, why haven't we developed better assessments to reflect different learners?

I decided to look into a few of the resources listed in Chapter 7 of Teaching Every Student. I love teaching math and I am always looking for new ways to teach the concepts. The screen shot of Tenth Planet looked as if it would be extreemly engaging and a neat tool to enhance student learning. So I look into the program. I was disapointed in the cost of the soft ware.

Tenth Planet - $479.95 for 10 computers []

I also looked into Thinking Reader. I listed a few of the books it include and I was amazed by the list.


 * Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor
 * Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
 * Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt
 * Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis
 * Dragonwings by Laurence Yep
 * My Brother Sam is Dead by James Collier and Christopher Collier
 * Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan
 * A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
 * The Giver by Lois Lowry

I have read several of these books to my students. It is nice to see award winning books here as well. media type="youtube" key="v48iQvLEsTo" height="344" width="425" Here is a video explaining how the program is used to reach different levels of readers. As I watch, I am thinking of specific students that would benefit from Thinking Reader and all the possibilities!

Unfortunately, I was disapointed again in the charge for this program.

Thinking Reader - $500 for 10 students []

There are so many great resources out there, yet when technology budgets are often under-funded, especially for non Title I schools, these resources are not available to many teachers. I would love to use either of these programs with my students. Another road block we will have to overcome as technology leaders.