Academic Potential Online Tutoring Resources
A resource for parents about online tutoring for math and reading. This blog is written by teacher, Audrey Deck, to support the growth of learning, academic abilities, and confidence of students.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
The benefits of computer programs for struggling students
Monday, August 15, 2011
Online Tutoring Results of Academic Potential Students
Monday, May 16, 2011
Selecting a Tutor
Based on my experience as a teacher and mom, there are a few things that I consider to assist students before recommending the best tutoring alternative. I first like to know the age of the student and the subject of concern. If reading is the issue, I begin to uncover whether the difficulty is with auditory processing, decoding, fluency, comprehension, difficulty with sight words or any other area. If you know your child’s reading level, in relation to their grade, that is also helpful. If math is the area of concern, I like to see if the student has trouble with understanding new concepts, difficulty with drill and practice, retention of skills, or any other relevant area. From there the process begins to fit each student's needs with the many tools that are out there.
In assisting students, it's important to develop a strong rapport with them and their families. Having taught students in preschool special education to grade 8 with a variety of learning needs, as well as having two boys myself, I see that each student has very specific needs. Not one program fits all. Each student should have access to a program that is focused on their needs and be accessible to the family's schedule. Because of this, I see great strength in having online programs available for students 24/7. For families, being able to access resources in this way, makes tutoring an option with our often busy lives.
As you see, there are many things to consider, but essentially it comes down to identifying the student's difficulties, sifting through the variety of options available, and then matching the student with an appropriate online tutoring method.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
What is DRA?
DRA (Developmental Reading Assessment) is criterion referenced individual reading assessment, based on benchmarks of grade level texts. It is intended to be administered by the classroom teacher 2-3x’s per year. At the beginning of the school year, the information obtained by the teacher helps guide further instruction. Testing throughout the year serves to evaluate student progress.
DRA consists of three components of reading. These include accuracy, fluency and comprehension. Accuracy is measured by recording #or words correct/ total # of words read. Fluency can be measured in words per minute, and also requires good professional judgement of fluent reading. Comprehension levels are obtained by both questioning and retelling, and begins towards the end of grade one. All are important factors in a student’s reading ability, and each contributes significantly.
The chart below indicates the benchmarks for students K-3.
Frustration | Instructional | Independent | |
---|---|---|---|
Accuracy | 89% or below | 90-94% | 95-100% |
Comprehension | fragmented | partial | detailed fluent |
Fluency | minimal word by word | satisfactory inconsistent rate | reads in phrases |
From Grades 4-8, the benchmarks are:
Frustration | Instructional | Independent | |
---|---|---|---|
Accuracy | Below 95% | 95-97% | 98-100% |
Comprehension | fragmented/minimal | partial/satisfactory | full and detailed |
Fluency | word by word | inconsistent rate | fluent/reads in phrases |
When students are reading independently, with no assistance decoding words or understanding content etc., text at their Independent reading level is appropriate. For Guided Reading, class work, take home reading etc., text at the Instructional level is suitable.