Pre-thoughts for Assignment 3

Assignment 3 'Pre-thoughts' – Evaluation Assessment

It is always a challenge trying to find a program that teachers find effective and students find engaging.  I have worked with several assistive technology programs, several interactive websites, various literacy programs, etc. but have not be able to find the mixture of technology, reading, writing and “play”….until now.

I am an elementary AISI teacher and work with three schools within our district.  I work with about 60 elementary teachers and hundreds of students.  We had the opportunity to apply for some AISI funds last year and ended up purchasing a program called WiggleWorks at two of my schools.  I had heard about this program from a fellow teacher and how it had been updated over the last several years, I was intrigued J

Since purchasing this program last year our district has now implemented the program and added it to all K-3 teacher laptops (not because 2 of my schools purchased it).  Some teachers are familiar with the ‘older’ version of WiggleWorks as it was popular years ago.  The newer, updated version has the curricular focus integrated with the technology focus.

I have chosen to evaluate the WiggleWorks program as it is a program I use frequently and it is now being implemented in our district.  I personally feel that WiggleWorks is an incredible program if used effectively.

“WiggleWorks combines powerful technology with leveled books and instructional materials to develop reading, writing, and language skills necessary for future reading success. This proven effective program helps teachers scaffold instruction and advance all primary students toward reading independence.”

http://teacher.scholastic.com/products/wiggleworks/index.htm

There are several components to WiggleWorks as well as instructional materials to support the implementation and success of the program.  I think it would be valuable to assess the program and how it is being used in elementary classrooms.

“Evaluation assessment – a systematic study of the options, including their strengths and weaknesses, when a program evaluation is being planned”  (McDavid & Hawthorn, 2006, p.439).

I think an evaluation would prove beneficial as our schools, admin., teachers and other district members would be able to see how the program is able to reach student needs and what, if any, changes need to be made.