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Tag: ACT

  • ‘We won’t survive’: Small retailers missing out on Boxing Day sales

    Australian shoppers are splashing big cash in the post-Christmas sales, but some small businesses say they are not feeling the love.

    The week between Christmas and New Year is expected to generate $3.83 billion in spending nationally, up 4.4 per cent on last year, according to forecasts by the National Retailers Association.

    Demand is being driven by Boxing Day discounts and the redemption of Christmas gift cards.

    Diana Derek’s Canberra homewares store has been running at a loss since Christmas and she’s worried consumers have overlooked small businesses. (ABC News: Lily Nothling)

    But at Diana Derek’s Canberra homewares store and boutique Hive, sales have plummeted, and she has been running at a loss since Christmas.

    “There’s been a massive drop off … we didn’t plan for that,” Ms Derek said.

    “I assumed that it was just because everyone goes to the coast [after Christmas], but I went into the Canberra Centre and did see a lot of Canberrans shopping.

    “Unfortunately, it does look like they’ve chosen the malls over the little businesses.“

    Crowd of shoppers walking through a shopping centre.

    Canberra Outlet Centre was packed with shoppers searching for a bargain on Boxing Day.  (ABC News: Callum Flinn)

    Her small store is unable to compete with the sweeping discounts offered by large retailers.

    “People just get so overwhelmed with the word sale, [but] it doesn’t mean it’s quality — mainly what we see is quantity,” Ms Derek said.

    The Canberran took over the shop six months ago with the hope of keeping the almost 30-year-old independent business running.

    “You start wondering if you’ve done the right thing,” she said.

    “It would be great if people kept supporting it because we won’t survive and we will get pushed out by the big guys.“

    A woman shopping in a homewares store.

    Ms Derek says if shoppers always overlook small businesses, they will soon disappear. (ABC News: Lily Nothling)

    Sales a double-edged sword

    Canberra Business Chamber chief executive Greg Harford said big sales periods like Black Friday and Boxing Day could be a double-edged sword.

    “[They] can put real pressure on retailers,” Mr Harford said.

    “[There’s] an opportunity there of course, because customers are out looking for bargains, but every discount a retailer offers is money off the bottom line and at the small end of retail in particular, margins are really, really narrow.

    “The reality is for many small retailers, they’re never going to be able to compete with larger chains on sales — they’ll have to compete on service or range or offering.”

    A man wearing a suit and glasses.

    Greg Harford says small retailers can’t match the sales discounts of large outlet chains. (Supplied: Greg Harford)

    While Mr Harford expected this year’s local Boxing Day figures to be stronger than 2024, he said Canberra was grappling with a “two-speed economy”.

    “The best advice for retail customers is get out and support local businesses,” he said.

    “We really do need to support them, otherwise there’s a risk that they will disappear.“

    Making conscious choices

    A woman standing in a bookstore in front of shelves of books.

    Tayanah O’Donnell doesn’t offer Boxing Day or Black Friday sales at her Canberra bookshop. (ABC News: Lily Nothling)

    At Canberra’s oldest independent bookshop, owner Tayanah O’Donnell has resisted the temptation to provide discounts to compete with the major retailers.

    “We don’t offer Black Friday sales or Boxing Day sales or anything like that,”

    she said.

    “Occasionally you have those quiet moments late at night where you think, ‘perhaps we should this year succumb to offering a discount’, but it has been a deliberate choice.

    “We just operate on the basis that people coming into the store will get the best possible book at the best possible price and we really pride ourselves on the experience of people coming into the store taking as long as they need to browse.”

    Rows of bookshelves in a bookstore.

    Paperchain “will never replicate what the bigger stores are doing”, owner Tayanah O’Donnell says.  (ABC News: Lily Nothling)

    While the store is quieter now than during the pre-Christmas rush, the business is still thriving.

    In the face of rabid sales marketing, Ms O’Donnell encouraged shoppers to make conscious choices.

    She said choosing to buy one perfect book was preferable over madly purchasing 10 that may never be read.

    “There is something to be said for a slower, more thoughtful way in which we buy things, consume things, honour those things and pass them on to others,” she said.

    “We’ll never try to replicate what the bigger stores are doing.

    “We stick to our knitting, as my grandma would say.“

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  • Commentary: In disparaging Reiner, Trump shows the shriveled heart of an us-versus-them presidency

    When word came of Rob Reiner’s senseless death, America fell into familiar rites of mourning and remembrance. A waterfall of tributes poured in from the twin worlds — Hollywood and politics — that the actor, director and liberal activist inhabited.

    Through the shock and haze, before all but the sketchiest details were known, President Trump weighed in as well, driving by his diarrhetic compulsion to muse on just about every passing event, as though he was elected not to govern but to serve as America’s commentator in chief.

    Trump’s response, fairly shimmying on Reiner’s grave as he wrongly attributed his death to an act of political vengeance, managed to plumb new depths of heartlessness and cruelty; more than a decade into his acrid emergence as a political force, the president still manages to stoop to surprise.

    But as vile and tasteless as Trump’s self-pitying statement was — Reiner, he averred, was a victim of “Trump Derangement Syndrome” and, essentially, got what he deserved — it also pointed out a singular truism of his vengeful residency in the Oval Office.

    In recent decades, the nation has had a president who lied and deceived to cover up his personal vices. Another who plunged the country into a costly and needless war. A third whose willfulness and vanity led him to overstay his time, hurting his party and America as well.

    Still, each acted as though he was a president of all the people, not just those who voted him into office, contributed lavishly to his campaign or blindly cheered his every move, however reckless or ill-considered.

    As Trump has repeatedly made clear, he sees the world in black-and-white, red-versus-blue, us-versus-them.

    There are the states he carried that deserve federal funding. The voters whose support entitles them to food aid and other benefits. The sycophants bestowed with medals and presidential commendations.

    And then there are his critics and political opponents — those he proudly and admittedly hates — whose suffering and even demise he openly savors.

    When Charlie Kirk was killed, Trump ordered flags be flown at half-staff. He flew to Arizona to headline his memorial service. His vice president, JD Vance, suggested people should be fired for showing any disrespect toward the late conservative provocateur.

    By noteworthy contrast, when a gunman killed Minnesota’s Democratic former House speaker, Melissa Hortman, Trump couldn’t be bothered with even a simple act of grace. Asked if he’d called to offer his condolences to Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, a personal friend of Hortman, Trump responded, “Why waste time?”

    This is not normal, much less humane.

    This is not politics as usual, or someone rewarding allies and seeking to disadvantage the political opposition, as all presidents have done. This is the nation’s chief executive using the immense powers of his office and the world’s largest, most resonant megaphone to deliver retribution, ruin people’s lives, inflict misery — and revel in the pain.

    There were the usual denunciations of Trump’s callous and contemptuous response to Reiner’s stabbing death.

    “I’d expect to hear something like this from a drunk guy at a bar, not the president of the United States,” said Republican Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska, who is retiring rather than seeking reelection in 2026. (Which may be why he was so candid and spoke so bracingly.)

    But this time, the criticisms did not just come from the typical anti-Trump chorus, or heterodox Republicans like Bacon and MAGA-stalwart-turned-taunter Marjorie Taylor Greene. Even some of the president’s longest and loudest advocates felt compelled to speak out.

    “This is a dreadful thing to say about a man who just got murdered by his troubled son,” British broadcaster Piers Morgan posted on X. “Delete it, Mr. President.”

    More telling, though, was the response from the Republican Party’s leadership.

    “I don’t have much more to say about it, other than it’s a tragedy, and my sympathies and prayers go out to the Reiner family and to their friends,” Senate Majority Leader John Thune told CNN when asked about Trump’s response. House Speaker Mike Johnson responded in a similarly nonresponsive vein.

    Clearly, the see-and-hear-no-evil impulse remains strong in the upper echelons of the GOP — at least until more election returns show the price Republicans are paying as Trump keeps putting personal vendettas ahead of voters’ personal finances.

    One of the enduring reasons supporters say they back the president is Trump’s supposed honesty. (Never mind the many voluminously documented lies he has told on a near-constant basis.)

    Honesty, in this sense, means saying things that a more temperate and careful politician would never utter, and it’s an odd thing to condone in the nation’s foremost leader. Those with even a modicum of caring and compassion, who would never tell a friend they’re ugly or call a neighbor stupid — and who expect the same respect and decency in return — routinely ignore or explain away such casual cruelty when it comes from this president.

    Those who insist Trump can do no wrong, who defend his every foul utterance or engage in but-what-about relativism to minimize the import, need not remain in his constant thrall.

    When Trump steps so egregiously over a line, when his malice is so extravagant and spitefulness so manifest — as it was when he mocked Reiner in death — then, even the most fervent of the president’s backers should call him out.

    Do it, and reclaim a little piece of your humanity.

    Mark Z. Barabak

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  • Modernizing the special education workforce is a national imperative

    Key points:

    America’s special education system is facing a slow-motion collapse. Nearly 8 million students now receive services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), but the number of qualified teachers and related service providers continues to shrink. Districts from California to Maine report the same story: unfilled positions, overworked staff, and students missing the services they’re legally entitled to receive.

    “The promise of IDEA means little if there’s no one left to deliver it.”

    The data tell a clear story. Since 2013, the number of children ages 3–21 served under IDEA has grown from 6.4 million to roughly 7.5 million. Yet the teacher pipeline has moved in the opposite direction. According to Title II reports, teacher-preparation enrollments dropped 6 percent over the last decade and program completions plunged 27 percent. At the same time, nearly half of special educators leave the field within their first five years.

    By 2023, 45 percent of public schools were operating without a full teaching staff. Vacancies were most acute in special education. Attrition, burnout, and early retirements outpace new entrants by a wide margin.

    Why the traditional model no longer works

    For decades, schools and staffing firms have fought over the same dwindling pool of licensed providers. Recruiting cycles stretch for months, while students wait for evaluations, therapies, or IEP services.

    Traditional staffing firms focus on long-term contracts lasting six months or more, which makes sense for stability, but ignores an enormous, untapped workforce: thousands of credentialed professionals who could contribute a few extra hours each week if the system made it easy.

    Meanwhile, the process of credentialing, vetting, and matching candidates remains slow and manual, reliant on spreadsheets, email, and recruiters juggling dozens of openings. The result is predictable: delayed assessments, compliance risk, and burned-out staff covering for unfilled roles.

    “Districts and recruiters compete for the same people, when they could be expanding the pool instead.”

    The hidden workforce hiding in plain sight

    Across the country, tens of thousands of licensed professionals–speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, school psychologists, special educators–are under-employed. Many have stepped back from full-time work to care for families or pursue private practice. Others left the classroom but still want to contribute.

    Imagine if districts could tap those “extra hours” through a vetted, AI-powered marketplace. A system that matched real-time school requests with qualified providers in their state. A model like this wouldn’t replace full-time roles; it would expand capacity, reduce burnout, and bring talent back into the system.

    This isn’t theoretical. The same “on-demand” concept has already modernized industries from medicine to media. Education is long overdue for the same reinvention.

    What modernization looks like

    1. AI-driven matching: Districts post specific service needs (evaluations, IEP meetings, therapy hours). Licensed providers choose opportunities that fit their schedule.
    2. Verified credentials and provider profiles: Platforms integrate state licensure databases and background checks to ensure compliance and provide profiles with all candidate information including on-demand, video interviews so schools can make informed hiring decisions immediately.
    3. Smart staffing metrics: Schools track fill-rates, provider utilization, and service delays in real time.
    4. Integrated workflows: The system plugs into existing special education management tools. No new learning curve for administrators.

    A moment of urgency

    The shortage isn’t just inconvenient; it’s systemic. Each unfilled position represents students who lose therapy hours, districts risking due-process complaints, and educators pushed closer to burnout.

    With IDEA students now representing nearly 15 percent of all public school enrollment, the nation can’t afford to let a twentieth-century staffing model dictate twenty-first-century outcomes.

    We have the technology. We have the workforce. What we need is the will to connect them.

    “Modernizing special education staffing isn’t innovation for innovation’s sake, it’s survival.”

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    Kevin Eberly, FillerB

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  • ACT and Texas Instruments Collaborate to Enhance Student Success in Mathematics

    Iowa City, Iowa and Dallas, Texas (November 12, 2025) – ACT, a leader in college and career readiness assessment, and Texas Instruments Education Technology (TI), a division of the global semiconductor company, today announced a comprehensive partnership aimed at empowering students to achieve their best performance on the ACT mathematics test.

    This initiative brings together two education leaders to provide innovative resources and tools that maximize student potential. The partnership will start by providing:

    • A new dedicated online resource center featuring co-branded instructional videos demonstrating optimal use of TI calculators during the ACT mathematics test.
    • Additional study materials featuring TI calculators to help students build upon and apply their mathematical knowledge while maximizing their time on the ACT test.
    • Professional development programs for teachers focused on effective calculator-based testing strategies.

    “This partnership represents our commitment to providing students with the tools and resources they need to demonstrate their mathematical knowledge effectively,” said Andrew Taylor, Senior Vice President of Educational Solutions and International, ACT, “By working with Texas Instruments, we’re ensuring students have access to familiar, powerful technology tools during this important assessment.”

    “Texas Instruments is proud to partner with ACT to support student success,” said Laura Chambers, President at Texas Instruments Education Technology. “Our calculator technology, combined with targeted instructional resources, will help students showcase their true mathematical abilities during the ACT test.” 

    The new resources are available now to students and educators on the ACT website www.act.org under ACT Math Calculator Tips.

    About ACT

    ACT is transforming college and career readiness pathways so that everyone can discover and fulfill their potential. Grounded in more than 65 years of research, ACT’s learning resources, assessments, research, and work-ready credentials are trusted by students, job seekers, educators, schools, government agencies, and employers in the U.S. and around the world to help people achieve their education and career goals at every stage of life. Visit us at https://www.act.org/.  

    About Texas Instruments

    Texas Instruments Education Technology (TI) — the gold standard for excellence in math — provides exam-approved graphing calculators and interactive STEM technology. TI calculators and accessories drive student understanding and engagement without adding to online distractions. We are committed to empowering teachers, inspiring students and supporting real learning in classrooms everywhere. For more information, visit education.ti.com.

    Texas Instruments Incorporated (Nasdaq: TXN) is a global semiconductor company that designs, manufactures and sells analog and embedded processing chips for markets such as industrial, automotive, personal electronics, enterprise systems and communications equipment. At our core, we have a passion to create a better world by making electronics more affordable through semiconductors. This passion is alive today as each generation of innovation builds upon the last to make our technology more reliable, more affordable and lower power, making it possible for semiconductors to go into electronics everywhere. Learn more at TI.com.

    eSchool News Staff
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  • Why interactive solutions are a smarter investment for schools

    School IT leaders face a constant balancing act to deploy technology that enhances learning while keeping systems secure, manageable, and cost-effective. With classrooms evolving rapidly, interactive solutions have emerged as a strategic choice, offering immediate impact for teachers and students and long-term value for districts.

    Simplifying IT complexity

    A big challenge IT teams face is managing a mishmash of devices, platforms, and updates. Interactive displays are built to integrate seamlessly with existing systems, making integration of new tech smoother and maintenance less burdensome. OS-agnostic platforms, like Promethean’s ActivPanel 10 Premium, allow schools to choose the operating device that best fits their ecosystem—whether that’s Android, Windows, or Chrome. This flexibility reduces compatibility headaches and accelerates adoption since teachers can use systems they already know. IT teams benefit from fielding fewer support tickets, faster training, and stronger security oversight.

    Empowering teaching and learning

    While IT functionality and efficiency are important factors, the success of any classroom tech boils down to how well it supports instruction. Interactive solutions transform passive lessons into active learning experiences through touch-enabled displays, annotation tools, real-time feedback apps, and multimedia integration. The result is higher student engagement, stronger retention, and classrooms that can adapt to diverse learning styles and accessibility needs. Teachers benefit from technology that makes their jobs easier and more rewarding.

    Collaboration without boundaries

    Today’s classrooms demand collaboration across in-person and online spaces. Interactive displays with features like multi-touch capabilities, wireless screen sharing, and video integration allow students to connect from anywhere, whether they’re in the room or learning remotely. Instead of patching together separate, substandard tools, schools can use a single platform that enables equal participation for all students and that scales across classrooms, grade levels, and learning models.

    Building future-ready, sustainable classrooms

    Technology investments must stand the test of time. Unlike projectors and other high-maintenance tools, interactive panels like Promethean’s ActivPanel 10 Premium are built for longevity, with OS-agnostic designs that allow for device upgrades without replacing the entire display. This reduces total cost of ownership and better aligns with sustainability goals by minimizing electronic waste.

    Interactive technology also builds digital fluency for teachers and students, helping develop skills that carry beyond the classroom. By aligning schools with the technology students will encounter in higher education and the workplace, these solutions create lasting impact that extends well beyond the classroom.

    Rethink the ordinary with interactive tech

    Interactive solutions are a strategic infrastructure investment that reduces IT strain through simplified integration and long-term maintenance, enhances teaching and learning in ways that drive adoption and better learning outcomes, and create sustainable value that grows with the school.

    For technology leaders tasked with balancing innovation, security, and scalability, interactive solutions like ActivPanel 10 Premium represent an opportunity to rethink the ordinary. Instead of constantly troubleshooting, IT teams can focus on enabling meaningful learning experiences while ensuring every dollar spent delivers measurable returns.

    Dive deeper into the top 10 benefits of interactive technology in education. Download the full report and discover how interactive solutions can help your school create classrooms that are ready for tomorrow.

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    Content Provided by Promethean

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  • Moment of silence for Charlie Kirk on Capitol Hill spirals into partisan shouting match

    Republicans and Democrats came together on the House floor on Wednesday to hold a moment of silence in honor of Charlie Kirk, just as news broke that the magnetic youth activist had been shot and killed.

    The bipartisanship lasted about a minute.

    The event quickly spiraled after a request to pray for Kirk from Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert of Colorado led to objections from Democrats and a partisan shouting match.

    Republican Rep. Anna Paulina Luna of Florida, a close friend of Kirk’s, told Democrats on the floor that they “caused this” — a comment she later said she stood by, arguing that “their hateful rhetoric” against Republicans contributed to Kirk’s killing.

    Johnson banged on the gavel, demanding order as the commotion continued.

    “The House will be in order!” he yelled to no avail.

    The incident underscored the deep-seated partisan tensions on Capitol Hill as the assassination of Kirk revives the debate over gun violence and acts of political violence in a divided nation. As Congress reacted to the news, lawmakers of both parties publicly denounced the assassination of Kirk and called it an unacceptable act of violence.

    Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) said he was “deeply disturbed about the threat of violence that has entered our political life.”

    “I pray that we will remember that every person, no matter how vehement our disagreement with them, is a human being and a fellow American deserving of respect and protection,” Thune said.

    Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco), whose husband, Paul, was attacked with a hammer three years ago, also denounced the fatal shooting.

    “Political violence has absolutely no place in our nation,” she said in a post on X.

    A few hours after the commotion on the House floor, the White House released a four-minute video of President Trump in which he said Kirk’s assassination marked a “dark moment for America.” He also blamed the violent act on the “radical left.”

    “My administration will find each and every one of those that contributed to this atrocity, and to other political violence, including the organizations that fund it and support it,” Trump said as he grieved the loss of his close ally.

    Ana Ceballos

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  • 3P Learning’s Mathletics Program Earns ESSA Level II Certification and ISTE Seal

    3P Learning’s Mathletics Program Earns ESSA Level II Certification and ISTE Seal

    NEW YORK — 3P Learning, a global leader in online education for school-aged students, announces Mathletics, the company’s math program for intermediate learners, has achieved Level II certification under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Mathletics also earned the ISTE Seal this spring. These acknowledgments, granted to programs demonstrating exceptional quality and evidence-based positive impact on student success, come as education leaders double down on programs shown to increase academic achievement. 

    LearnPlatform by Instructure conducted an independent study in accordance with ESSA Level II requirements to evaluate the effectiveness of Mathletics in improving academic achievement. The study analyzed NWEA MAP® testing scores from 1,885 third- through fifth-grade students across eight schools within a single district. The comparison focused on the performance of 1,561 students who used Mathletics versus 324 who did not use the program. 

    The research team found: 

    • Students who used the Mathletics program “moderately” or “heavily” had higher end-of-year scores than those who had not used the program often.
    • If a student at the 50th percentile had used Mathletics, it would result in the student moving to the 54th percentile on average—a 4 percentile point improvement.

    Mathletics joins 3P Learning’s K-3 math program, Mathseeds, in achieving ESSA Level II certification. Combined, the duo provides a comprehensive, evidence-based math solution from kindergarten through middle school. 

    The ISTE Seal is awarded to educational technologies that excel in innovation, accessibility and enhancing student learning experiences. Mathletics was recognized for its:

    • Engaging and Personalized Learning: A gamified learning experience that tailors lessons to fit individual student needs.
    • User-Friendly Interface for Educators: An intuitive, navigable user experience including instructional videos for educators and differentiation tools to simplify classroom management.
    • Comprehensive Progress Tracking: A complete and comprehensive method for monitoring student progress via analytics and feedback.

    “Teachers and administrators tell us every day that evidence of effectiveness is crucial,” said Katy Pike, Chief Product Officer at 3P Learning. “These results underscore the ability of Mathletics to significantly improve math skills and effectively narrow the achievement gap. When educators provide students with engaging activities and motivating challenges, learning math becomes fun and rewarding—that’s what leads to academic growth.” 

    To learn more about Mathletics, please visit https://www.mathletics.com/us/. 

    About 3P Learning  

    3P Learning is a global leader in online education for school-aged students and offers a multi-award-winning suite of programs covering mathematics (Mathletics and Mathseeds) and reading (Reading Eggs). Serving more than 18,000 schools in over 130 countries, our classroom solutions have been created by experienced educators and are backed by over 20 years of research. 

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  • 95 Phonics Lesson Library Meets ESSA Standards of Evidence for Grades 4-5

    95 Phonics Lesson Library Meets ESSA Standards of Evidence for Grades 4-5

    Lincolnshire, IL – Today,  95 Percent Group LLC, the trusted source for comprehensive, proven literacy solutions, announced that its 95 Phonics Lesson Library™ is now listed on the Evidence for ESSA website for Tier 2, small-group instruction, for grades 4-5. The rating confirms the program’s research meets federal standards under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) for demonstrating evidence of efficacy. In 2022, 95 Phonics Core Program® by 95 Percent Group also earned ESSA listing for Tier 1 Instruction.

    Based at Johns Hopkins University’s Center for Research and Reform in Education, Evidence for ESSA was established following the 2015 Congressional approval of the federal act and provides independent, authoritative information on program research that meets the ESSA evidence standards. As a leading resource in the field, the website enables educators and communities to select effective instructional tools to improve student outcomes.

    “Our continued, strategic investment in research both provides us with the information we need to continue to grow and develop our product offerings and demonstrates to educators the power of our programs to accelerate literacy skill development for all students,” said Brad Lindaas, CEO, 95 Percent Group. “We are excited to expand our listings on the highly respected Evidence for ESSA to include supporting intervention for students in grades 4-5.”

    95 Phonics Lesson Library provides teachers with the tools to guide students to grade-level mastery. This evidence-based program for intervention offers three levels of instruction and easy-to-use, fully prepared lessons. As a precision tool, 95 Phonics Lesson Library gives students the targeted intervention they need to fill specific skill gaps.

    LXD Research founder Rachel Schechter, Ph.D., said, “Much of the current focus of science of reading has been on the earlier elementary grades. Our recent research demonstrates the ways that 95 Percent Group programs are effective instructional and intervention tools for students in grades 4-5.”

    In the study that earned 95 Phonics Lesson Library Evidence for ESSA approval, two schools in Ohio’s Youngstown City School District implemented the program with students in grades 4-5. At mid-year, LXD found that 7 percent more 4th graders and 13 percent more 5th graders were on or above benchmark compared to their peers in other district schools that were not using the program.

    “Educators making decisions about science of reading aligned materials for their students are faced with complex and time-consuming decisions. They need to ask questions, such as ‘Is this program evidence-based?’ and ‘Will it move the needle for our students?” 95 Percent Group has made a long-term investment in independent research they can trust, in order to put that information at their fingertips,” said Amy Boza, Ph.D., director of research at 95 Percent Group. “In addition, the work has been highlighted at both national and international academic conferences including IDA.”

    About 95 Percent Group

    95 Percent Group is an education company whose mission is to build on science to empower teachers—supplying the knowledge, resources, and support they need—to develop strong readers. Using an approach that is based in structured literacy, the company’s One95™ Literacy Ecosystem™ integrates professional learning and evidence-based literacy products into one cohesive system that supports consistent instructional routines across tiers and is proven and trusted to help students close skill gaps and read fluently. 95 Percent Group is also committed to advancing research, best practices, and thought leadership on the science of reading more broadly. For more information, visit www.95percentgroup.com. 

    About LXD Research

    LXD Research is an independent evaluation, research, and consulting division within Charles River Media Group focusing on educational programs. They design rigorous research studies, multifaceted data analytic reporting, and dynamic content to disseminate insights. Visit www.LXDResearch.com.

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  • Study from EPS Learning on Improving Literacy Outcomes for Special Education Students Meets ESSA Level 3 Evidence Standards

    Study from EPS Learning on Improving Literacy Outcomes for Special Education Students Meets ESSA Level 3 Evidence Standards

    BETHESDA, Md. — EPS Learning, the leading provider of PreK-12 literacy solutions, is excited to announce that its recent  SPIRE® study has earned Level 3 certification for alignment with Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) standards. SPIRE is a research-proven, comprehensive, structured literacy and multisensory reading intervention program that has supported reading success for all striving readers through an intensive and structured science-of-reading aligned curriculum for over 30 years.

    LXD Research conducted a third-party study to determine the relationship between the usage of SPIRE and student reading outcomes in 13 schools in Martin County School District, Florida. The study’s positive, statistically significant findings support a relationship between SPIRE progress and improved literacy skills for special education students. The findings were robust across Grades 3, 4, and 5 after controlling for key predictors such as previous FAST (Florida’s statewide, standardized assessment) scale scores, gender, LEP status, grade level and race/ethnicity.

    This study met the following criteria for ESSA Level 3 achievement:

    • Correlational design; students new to the program compared to students with more progress in the program
    • Proper design and implementation with at least two teachers and 30 students per group
    • Study uses a form of a program that could be replicated
    • Statistical controls through covariates 
    • At least one statistically significant, positive finding

    EPS Learning Chief Academic Officer Dr. Janine Walker-Caffrey spoke to the company’s recent rating, stating, “We are incredibly proud of the decades of impactful support SPIRE has provided for readers across the country and are elated about the recent ESSA rating! While this is a wonderful achievement, we are just beginning our bolstered efficacy research efforts. Upcoming research will re-demonstrate that this effective and evidence-based program for reading intervention is still positively impacting students in becoming fluent readers. We are excited to accomplish the next level of ESSA certification as studies continue to be released.”

    SPIRE was developed by Orton-Gillingham (OG) Fellow, Sheila Clark-Edmands, and is based on structured literacy principles and the OG approach. The program incorporates evidence-based best practices for reading and language development. It also includes skills that are key to fluent reading acquisition: phonemic awareness, phonics, handwriting, spelling, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Each SPIRE lesson employs 10 steps that enhance student learning and memory by engaging multisensory pathways to the brain in rapid succession, ensuring orthographic mapping and automaticity. 

    About EPS Learning 

    EPS Learning has partnered with educators for more than 70 years to advance literacy as the springboard for lifelong learning and opportunity. The 20+ literacy solutions included in the EPS Literacy Framework are based on the science of reading and support grades PreK through 12, all tiers of instruction, and every pillar of reading. EPS Learning offers evidence-based intervention and customized professional learning to help move students toward growth, mastery, and success. Visit  www.epslearning.com to learn more.

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  • Woman says Sydney Sweeney isn’t hot and that’s just unacceptable (5 Photos)

    Woman says Sydney Sweeney isn’t hot and that’s just unacceptable (5 Photos)

    Camry

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  • UNC System waived SAT, ACT requirements during the pandemic. Now it could bring them back

    UNC System waived SAT, ACT requirements during the pandemic. Now it could bring them back

    Some of the test prep books at Hillside High School in Durham, N.C. Photographed Thursday, April 28, 2022.

    Some of the test prep books at Hillside High School in Durham, N.C. Photographed Thursday, April 28, 2022.


    Ethan Hyman

    ehyman@newsobserver.com

    It’s been almost four years since public universities in North Carolina stopped requiring applicants to submit standardized test scores as part of their applications for admission — a change first made during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Now the governing board that oversees the universities could reinstate the requirements in some form.

    A UNC System Board of Governors committee on Wednesday will review a policy recommendation from system staff that would require applicants with certain weighted grade point averages in high school — between 2.5, the minimum that will be needed to apply, and 2.8 — to submit test scores again. That would take effect with those students who will enter the universities in the fall 2025 semester.

    For that semester and the one immediately following it, spring 2026, there would be no required minimum score for students required to submit them, according to the proposed policy revision. Beginning in the fall 2026 semester, though, students with GPAs that require them to submit scores would be required to score either at least 17, out of a possible 36, on the ACT or 930, out of a possible 1600, on the SAT.

    Under the proposed policy change, the chancellors of the state’s 16 public universities, with approval from their campus-level boards of trustees, would decide for their respective schools whether students with weighted GPAs above 2.8 would be required to submit test scores.

    If the committee approves the policy changes Wednesday, the full Board of Governors will vote on the matter at its meeting in April. The full-board vote would be taken through the consent agenda, meaning the board could approve it as part of a package of policies and without individual consideration or discussion.

    The board first waived test requirements system-wide in July 2020, initially only for students applying for admission through 2021, citing the disruptions the pandemic had caused to education and testing, including test days for the SAT and ACT being postponed. The board then voted twice to extend the waiver, first through 2022, then through the fall 2024 semester.

    Throughout the pause, students have had the option to submit test scores if they wished to do so. Students who did not submit scores were required to meet the system’s minimum weighted GPA requirement, 2.5, to be considered for admission.

    The minimum GPA requirement would remain in place for all applicants under the proposed policy changes.

    Other colleges’ test waivers ending

    The board’s discussion on the policy will come as many colleges and universities across the country deal with the same issues around standardized testing requirements, which many schools paused — but did not fully end — during the pandemic.

    Now, four years removed from the start of the pandemic and almost one year after the federal government declared an end to it, colleges are evaluating whether to continue their test-optional or no-test policies, or reinstate the requirements.

    Yale University announced Thursday it would again require students to submit scores, though the university is offering flexibility on what tests students are allowed to take and submit. The University of Tennessee has also reinstated test requirements for first-year applicants, while the University of California system eliminated its requirements in 2020, The Washington Post reported.

    When the Board of Governors previously voted to waive the university system’s test requirements, some board members expressed fear that the change would allow ill-prepared students to be admitted to the state’s universities or that the change might devalue degrees from the schools, The News & Observer previously reported.

    Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem has been test-optional for more than 15 years, with “little appreciable difference” in student performance between students who submit scores and those who do not, The N&O reported.

    Just before the pandemic, the Board of Governors had approved a policy change that allowed the state’s universities to admit students with either a minimum 2.5 GPA or minimum test scores. That change was based on UNC System research that GPA is a better indicator of student success and performance, The N&O previously reported.

    Discussions around the use and importance of standardized tests in college admissions also center around inequity, with research showing students from lower-income backgrounds generally scoring lower than their wealthier counterparts. Poorer students are also less likely to take the tests, according to a New York Times analysis last year.

    Duke University, which is test-optional this admissions cycle, is no longer assigning numerical values to applicants’ standardized test scores or essays during the admissions process, The Duke Chronicle reported this week. Duke admissions officials made the changes due to “a rise in the use of generative artificial intelligence and college admissions consultants,” The Chronicle reported.

    North Carolina administers the ACT to all 11th graders in the state’s traditional public schools and charter schools each spring. Students in 10th grade take the PreACT.

    Under current system policy and the proposed revision, chancellors of UNC System universities reserve the right to set additional admissions requirements that exceed the minimum system requirements.

    Related stories from Charlotte Observer

    Korie Dean covers higher education in the Triangle and North Carolina for The News & Observer. She was previously part of the paper’s service journalism team. She is a graduate of the Hussman School of Journalism and Media at UNC-Chapel Hill and a lifelong North Carolinian.

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  • 3 strategies to support inclusive learning

    3 strategies to support inclusive learning


    Key points:

    The Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), passed in 1975, ensures that eligible children with disabilities receive free public education along with the services they need to succeed. The IDEA act also guarantees that students with disabilities have the right to engage in the Least Restrictive Learning Environment (LRE) that best meets their individual needs.

    The LRE ensures that students under IDEA are offered equitable access to education alongside their non-disabled peers. Under these requirements, special education students should be in the same classrooms as their peers to the maximum appropriate extent. The goal isn’t to make sure that special education students are in the mainstream classroom as much as possible, but to allow students to engage in a classroom setting that is the most beneficial to their academic success and development and to have equal opportunities to their peers. This requires some training for educators on how to create more inclusive classrooms.

    Strategies for educators to support inclusive learning

    Inclusive classrooms are classrooms where students with diverse abilities and backgrounds learn together in a mainstream classroom setting. To maintain an inclusive learning environment, it is critical that educators have effective strategies to ensure that all students, regardless of their abilities, are given the opportunity to thrive academically.

    Here are three strategies for educators to support inclusive learning:

    1. Foster a collaborative classroom culture

    A collaborative classroom culture encourages students to work together and appreciate the unique perspectives that their peers bring to the table. Educators can create this culture through tactics such as group projects or peer tutoring programs. Other activities like circle time, where students have the opportunity to share their thoughts and experiences, can also help foster mutual understanding and respect. Collaboration not only helps to create a sense of community and belonging inside the classroom, it also prepares students for the real world that values teamwork.

    2. Professional development

    To enhance educators’ capacity to support diverse learners and inclusive classrooms, they need ongoing training and professional development opportunities. Having regular professional development training helps educators to learn more ways to best serve their students.

    3. Differentiated instruction

    Offering tailored teaching methods, materials and assessment strategies can help students to better understand the curriculum. Students learn in various ways, and offering materials at different difficulty levels, providing visuals or offering kinesthetic activities ensures that all students can engage in the classroom.

    Why special educators are essential

    Expertise

    Special educators play an important role in ensuring the effectiveness of inclusive classrooms. They have the expertise, training, and resources to address the diverse needs of students, especially those with special needs.

    Teaching methods and materials

    In an inclusive classroom, special educators can tailor their teaching methods and materials to meet the abilities and preferred learning styles of students. This ensures that every student has access to individualized support that suits their unique needs.

    IEP familiarity

    Special educators are also trained to create Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for students who have special needs. IEPs describe how a student learns, how they demonstrate what they are learning, and what educators can do to help a student learn more effectively. They are tailored using input from general and special education teachers, parents, school administrators, and the students themselves. Having an IEP can also help to determine if a fully inclusive classroom environment is the right fit for a specific student.

    Behavior management

    Behavioral difficulties are often a challenge in inclusive classrooms. Special educators have the necessary training to manage students with behavioral issues and can help maintain a productive learning environment in the classroom.

    While special educators are important in driving the success of inclusive classrooms, they also face challenges such as being responsible for too many students.

    Pros and cons of inclusive classrooms

    The pros and cons of inclusive classrooms have been heavily debated and can vary with each individual circumstance or classroom.

    Inclusive education has benefits for both students with disabilities and for their peers as it promotes social integration, cultivates empathy, and exposes students to those with diverse abilities. Studies have shown that inclusive education can lead to improved academic outcomes for both students with disabilities and their peers.

    While inclusive classrooms have many benefits, there are also drawbacks that often dissuade schools and classrooms from adopting an inclusive classroom environment. Meeting the needs of students with varying abilities and offering individualized support can be challenging for teachers, especially in larger class sizes. Resource allocation can also be a concern because special education students often need support staff, specialized teaching materials or technology.

    Inclusive classrooms are not a one-size-fits-all environment. By working with special education students alongside their peers, with an appropriate IEP in place, educators can tailor their teaching to better serve each student. While an inclusive classroom might not be the best fit for every student, every student should have the opportunity to participate in the learning environment that allows them to gain the most from their education.

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  • IXL Math Meets Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Tier 1 Requirements in Randomized Control Trial Conducted by Johns Hopkins University

    IXL Math Meets Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Tier 1 Requirements in Randomized Control Trial Conducted by Johns Hopkins University

    BALTIMORE, Maryland — IXL Learning, developer of personalized learning products used by millions of people globally, has unveiled the findings of a Johns Hopkins University study that affirms  IXL Math’s effectiveness in boosting student achievement. The evaluation of IXL Math’s impact meets the required rigor of Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) Tier 1 and What Works Clearinghouse standards for evidence-based interventions. 

    The  Center for Research and Reform in Education (CRRE) at Johns Hopkins University conducted an independent, randomized control trial in Spring 2023 at Holland Public Schools in Michigan. The goal of the study was to determine IXL Math’s efficacy on students in grades 3-5. Half of the classrooms were assigned to the treatment group and used IXL Math to supplement instruction, while the remaining students continued learning as usual. 

    The  research revealed the following key findings:

    • Students in IXL classrooms surpassed their control group peers: IXL Math students significantly outperformed the control group by an average of 10 points on the Star Math assessment.
    • Underserved students achieved larger gains: Improved math performance was particularly pronounced among Hispanic, Special Education, English Language Learner, and FARMS (Free and Reduced Meal Program) student populations, with gains ranging from 13 to 17 points.
    • A positive correlation between usage and achievement: IXL Math usage was significantly correlated with student performance on the Star Math and M-STEP assessments.
    • Teachers overwhelmingly praised their IXL implementation: Approximately 90% of teachers reported that their implementation of IXL was successful and had a meaningful impact on instruction. The initial professional development provided by IXL was particularly valuable, according to teachers.

    “We are proud that this expert-led study clearly confirms IXL’s positive impact on math achievement and places it within ESSA’s highest tier of efficacy,” said Bo Bashkov, Manager of Research at IXL Learning. “A compelling body of evidence from previous studies spanning 70,000 schools throughout the United States shows a remarkable pattern: Schools utilizing IXL consistently outperform those using other solutions. This new report corroborates existing findings and further underscores that IXL empowers students and teachers to achieve greater success.”

    Visit our  research page for more information about IXL’s studies.  

    How IXL helps students succeed in math

    IXL Math is an adaptive program that is proven to help students master essential skills. In fact, studies show that schools using IXL Math consistently outperform others, ranking as much as 15 percentile points higher on state assessments. In addition to helping schools and students succeed academically, IXL can uncover hidden obstacles to learning, increase teacher engagement, develop students’ intrinsic motivation to learn, and more. 

    Comprehensive curriculum for deeper learning

    With more than 4,900 standards-aligned skills, IXL Math’s K-12 curriculum promotes rigor by helping students develop a conceptual understanding of math, build procedural fluency, and tackle challenging problems that have real-world applications. Each skill is adaptive, adjusting in difficulty to ensure students are perfectly challenged. Based on students’ previous work, IXL generates personalized recommendations in real time that guide learners to skills that will help them make the most progress.  

    IXL now also provides a groundbreaking curriculum,  Takeoff by IXL Math™, to deliver core instruction and help teachers differentiate a full year of daily math learning without any prior planning. The Takeoff curriculum equips teachers with everything they need to provide tailored math instruction, including lesson plans, dynamic recommendations for support and enrichment, and ready-made unit assessments. Seamlessly integrated into IXL’s personalized learning platform, these resources give students the support they need and show teachers instant insights into their progress.

    Accurately assess knowledge in real time

    IXL’s  first-of-its-kind assessment suite, which includes the  Real-Time Diagnostic and  universal screener, works in concert with its math curriculum to give educators real-time insight into performance, pinpoint gaps in knowledge, and provide specific next steps to help each student grow. Additionally, IXL’s comprehensive diagnostic reports allow administrators to easily identify students across their district who are working below grade level and may need additional support.

    Support and empower students at every step

    Built-in instructional resources, including more than 2,700  video tutorials for Grade 2 through Precalculus skills, support students when they’re working independently and ensure they have the guidance to learn with confidence. 

    Provide teachers the insights that they need

    IXL Analytics provides teachers with  real-time insights that pinpoint trouble spots and monitor performance, allowing them to respond to student needs more quickly and facilitate meaningful growth. Administrators can use IXL  District Analytics and IXL School Analytics to track student progress and teacher engagement, enabling them to improve IXL’s impact on their school or district.

    About IXL

    Currently used by 15 million students and in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts, IXL is an all-inclusive educational platform that provides a comprehensive PK-12 curriculum and instructional resources, actionable analytics and a state-of-the-art assessment suite. IXL’s end-to-end teaching and learning solution supports personalized instruction in math, English language arts, science, social studies and Spanish. With more than 130 billion questions asked and answered around the world, IXL is helping schools and parents successfully boost student achievement. The IXL Learning  family of products also includes  Rosetta Stone,  TPT,  SpanishDictionary.com,  inglés.com,  Wyzant,  Vocabulary.com,  ABCya,  Education.com and  Emmersion. To learn more about IXL, visit  www.ixl.com,  facebook.com/IXL and  twitter.com/IXLLearning.

    eSchool News Staff
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  • Bay Springs High School Rises on the ACT® English After Reviewing With Jumpstart Test Prep

    Bay Springs High School Rises on the ACT® English After Reviewing With Jumpstart Test Prep

    Press Release
    –

    Aug 29, 2022


    BAY SPRINGS, Miss., August 29, 2022 (Newswire.com)
    –
    Jumpstart Test Prep announced the ACT® exam improvement results from Bay Springs High School students’ spring test date following the classroom implementation of the Jumpstart Review. Of the students having at least one prior ACT® score for improvement comparison, 67% improved prior best ACT® English scores by an average of 3.68 points!

    Top ACT® English achievers were recently recognized and include:

    ●       Landon Jones (+8 pts.)

    ●       Kevin Keyes (+8 pts.)

    ●       James Odom (scored a 24 on ACT® English first attempt)

    ●       Kamari Patrick (+7 pts.)

    ●       Jackson Walker (+8 pts.)

    Bay Springs junior, Kevin Keyes commented, “Jumpstart helped me refresh my memory on punctuation, comma rules, and parts of speech.”

    “Jumpstart helped me with my comma rules and parts of speech to help me expand my education,” added another junior Landon Jones.

    These improvements are not possible without the diligence and support of the teachers tasked to help raise scores at Bay Springs. Teacher Carressia King commented, “Bay Springs High School students were awesome using the English part of the Jumpstart Review. They came into class eager to learn and asked good questions when I paused the videos.” King added, “The Jumpstart instructors were engaging and taught with a sense of humor, which is what we needed to accomplish the task at hand. When the test results came in, I was so proud of what we had accomplished. Jumpstart Test Prep is an awesome program, and I can attest to its content to prepare junior students for their upcoming junior year MS ACT®.”

    The guidance and encouragement of administration also plays a huge role in raising scores.

    Jumpstart Test Prep is an online review program based on over 50 years of work by Dot McClendon, a legendary educator and Mississippi’s 19-year STAR Teacher Hall of Fame inductee. “As a teacher at The Mississippi School of the Arts and several other schools during my career, I was able to help guide the preparation of students in person,” said McClendon. “Now through our online, on-demand video review, students in Bay Springs classrooms, as well as classrooms around the country, around the breakfast table, or on the couch at home, are able to benefit from our approach.”

    More information about Jumpstart Test Prep can be found at www.jumpstarttestprep.com.

    Source: Jumpstart Test Prep

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  • Students at South Panola High School See Improved ACT® Scores With Assistance From Jumpstart Test Prep

    Students at South Panola High School See Improved ACT® Scores With Assistance From Jumpstart Test Prep

    Press Release
    –

    Aug 22, 2022


    BATESVILLE, Miss., August 22, 2022 (Newswire.com)
    –
    Jumpstart Test Prep announced the ACT® exam improvement results from South Panola High School students’ spring test date following the classroom implementation of the Jumpstart Review. Of the students having at least one prior ACT® score for improvement comparison, 53% with a prior score improved over their prior best attempt by an average of 2.01 points on their Composite score, and in each subject area, the students’ scores improved by 46% in Math (+2.24 points avg.), 52% in Science (+3.14 points avg.), 53% in English (+3.24 points avg.), and 41% in Reading (+3.02 points avg.).

    Top achievers were recently recognized and include:

    • Thoraya Alode (scored a 26 on ACT® English on first attempt)
    • Kasandra Clark (English +8 pts.)
    • Tuniah Ellis (Composite +5 pts., Math +5 pts., and Science +9 pts.)
    • Justin Mayer (Composite +5 pts.) 
    • Elizabeth Riley (Composite +4 pts. and Science +9 pts.)
    • William Rowsey (Composite +4 pts., Math +8 pts., and English +6 pts.)
    • Jamia Rule (Composite +5 pts., English +7 pts., and Reading +10 pts.)
    • Lucas Terry (Composite +5 pts. and Math +6 pts.)
    • Jamiracle Tunson (Composite +4 pts., English +9 pts., and Reading +7 pts.)
    • Mackenzie Woodruff (Reading +10 pts.)

    South Panola student Kasandra Clark commented, “Jumpstart helped me go up eight points in English. English is not my strong suit, so this is a big step for me!”

    “Jumpstart was good, especially as a first-time test taker! It helped me feel more prepared, and it made the whole experience a lot less scary,” said another student, Thoraya Alode.

    These improvements are not possible without the diligence and support of the teachers and administrators tasked to help raise scores at South Panola High School. South Panola teacher Beverly Watson commented, “Jumpstart Test Prep gave my students the opportunity to gain insight into ACT®-formatted test questions and build test-taking skills. Jumpstart also gave students exposure to a plethora of questions similar to the ACT®, improving their confidence in their ability to take such an important test. As a result, we are expecting substantial growth within our school for our students, improving their future endeavors in post-secondary education.”

    Jumpstart Test Prep is an online review program based on over 50 years of work by Dot McClendon, a legendary educator and Mississippi’s 19-year STAR Teacher Hall of Fame inductee. “As a teacher at The Mississippi School of the Arts and several other schools during my career, I was able to help guide the preparation of students in person,” said McClendon. “Now, through our online, on-demand video review, students in South Panola classrooms, as well as classrooms around the country, around the breakfast table, or on the couch at home, are able to benefit from our approach.”

    More information about Jumpstart Test Prep can be found at www.jumpstarttestprep.com.

    Source: Jumpstart Test Prep

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  • Noxubee County High School Students Improve ACT® English Scores After Reviewing With Jumpstart Test Prep

    Noxubee County High School Students Improve ACT® English Scores After Reviewing With Jumpstart Test Prep

    56% improved prior best actual ACT® English scores by an average of 3.26 points.

    Press Release
    –

    Aug 15, 2022


    MACON, Miss., August 15, 2022 (Newswire.com)
    –
    Jumpstart Test Prep announced the ACT® exam improvement results from Noxubee County High School students’ spring test date following the classroom implementation of the Jumpstart Review. Of the students having at least one prior ACT® score for improvement comparison, 56% improved prior best actual ACT® English scores by an average of 3.26 points. 

    Top ACT® English achievers were recently recognized and include:

    • Darrell Brooks (Scored a 21 on first attempt)
    • Tony Deloach (English +7 pts.)
    • Jaliyah Jamison (English +7 pts.)
    • Janesha Kinchen (English +6 pts.)
    • Jaquavion Rupert (English +6 pts.)

    Junior Darrell Brooks commented, “Jumpstart really helped me make sure that I was prepared for the ACT® by giving me all the materials to be prepared for each section.”

    These improvements are not possible without the diligence and support of the teachers tasked to help raise scores at Noxubee County. 

    The guidance and encouragement of the administration also play a huge role in raising scores. Principal Aiesha Brooks commented, “The staff and the students enjoyed using Jumpstart in the classroom. The modules are engaging and easy to follow yet rigorous in content. The alignment and nature of the content are sure-fire factors that contributed to the growth in our students. We are looking forward to utilizing Jumpstart in the future and seeing ACT® scores increase!”

    Jumpstart Test Prep is an online review program based on over 50 years of work by Dot McClendon, a legendary educator and Mississippi’s 19-year STAR Teacher Hall of Fame inductee. “As a teacher at The Mississippi School of the Arts and several other schools during my career, I was able to help guide the preparation of students in person,” said McClendon. “Now through our online, on-demand video review, students in Noxubee County classrooms, as well as classrooms around the country, around the breakfast table, or on the couch at home, are able to benefit from our approach.”

    More information about Jumpstart Test Prep can be found at www.jumpstarttestprep.com.

    Source: Jumpstart Test Prep

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  • Amory High School Students’ ACT® English Scores Rise After Reviewing With Jumpstart Test Prep

    Amory High School Students’ ACT® English Scores Rise After Reviewing With Jumpstart Test Prep

    69% improved prior best actual ACT® English scores by an average of 3.26 points.

    Press Release
    –

    Aug 10, 2022


    AMORY, Miss., August 10, 2022 (Newswire.com)
    –
    Jumpstart Test Prep announced the ACT® exam improvement results from Amory High School students’ spring test date following the classroom implementation of the Jumpstart Review. Of the students having at least one prior ACT® score for improvement comparison, 69% improved prior best actual ACT® English scores by an average of 3.26 points.

    The following students were recognized as the top achievers in ACT® English:

    ●       McKynlie Camp (+7 pts.)

    ●       Ada Colburn (34 on first attempt)

    ●       Maggie Kate Cummings (+8 pts.)

    ●       Charleston French (+7 pts.)

    ●       Ethan Navarro (+8 pts.)

    ●       Neviona Smith (+7 pts.)

    ●       Greyson Wardlow (+8 pts.)

    Amory student Greyson Wardlow commented, “The biggest things that helped me with Jumpstart were learning time management and being able to look back over the videos.”

    “I learned the most using literature strategies and figuring out how to order sentences,” added Ada Colburn, another Amory student.

    These improvements are not possible without the diligence and support of the teachers tasked to help raise scores at Amory. “I was very impressed at how much the students enjoyed Jumpstart and how well it helped their scores,” said teacher Kammie Miller.

    The guidance and encouragement of the administration also play a huge role in raising scores. “We are very grateful to have had the opportunity to use Jumpstart in our English classes this year, and we are very excited that it helped our students to improve their ACT® scores and their confidence,” said Principal Leigh Stanford.

    Jumpstart Test Prep is an online review program based on over 50 years of work by Dot McClendon, a legendary educator and Mississippi’s 19-year STAR Teacher Hall of Fame inductee. “As a teacher at The Mississippi School of the Arts and several other schools during my career, I was able to help guide the preparation of students in person,” said McClendon. “Now through our online, on-demand video review, students in Amory classrooms, as well as classrooms around the country, around the breakfast table, or on the couch at home, are able to benefit from our approach.”

    More information about Jumpstart Test Prep can be found at www.jumpstarttestprep.com.

    Source: Jumpstart Test Prep

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  • Picayune Memorial High School Sees Improvements in English ACT® Scores After Reviewing With Jumpstart Test Prep

    Picayune Memorial High School Sees Improvements in English ACT® Scores After Reviewing With Jumpstart Test Prep

    Half of the students improved prior best actual ACT® English score by an average of 2.89 points.

    Press Release
    –

    Aug 8, 2022


    PICAYUNE, Miss., August 8, 2022 (Newswire.com)
    –
     Jumpstart Test Prep announced the ACT® exam improvement results from Picayune Memorial High School’s students’ spring test date following the classroom implementation of the Jumpstart Review. Of the students having at least one prior ACT® score for improvement comparison, 49% improved their prior best actual ACT® English score by an average 2.89 points.

    Top achievers were recently recognized and include:

    • Waylon “Dale” Lumpkin (English +11 pts.)
    • Amari Sylvas (English +5 pts.)
    • Other students saw improvements of +5,+6, and +9 pts. in English

    Student Amari Sylvas commented, “Jumpstart helps you improve your ACT® scores in a variety of ways. It helps students learn by teaching in multiple styles to reach each student.”

    “The best thing about Jumpstart is that it is more accessible. You can work from your book, phone, or computer, whatever works best for you,” said Waylon “Dale” Lumpkin. 

    These improvements are not possible without the diligence and support of the teachers tasked to help raise scores at Picayune. Teacher Eric Vianney said, “I think the Picayune Memorial High School front office and the teachers that are involved in this program worked hard to improve our students’ ACT® test scores, and they were very committed. We all want them to do better. Jumpstart is a great tool to use to prepare students before or after taking the ACT®. Students have the opportunity to be pre-tested, work with the modules, and take a post-test to see their improvement. I hope we can continue to use the program in the future.”

    The guidance and encouragement of the administration also play a huge role in raising scores. Principal Kristi Mitchell commented, “Picayune Memorial High School was excited to be selected as a Jumpstart pilot school. The administration, teachers, and students at PMHS are committed to improving ACT® scores. We are extremely proud of the hard work and great effort given by the teachers and students.”

    Jumpstart Test Prep is an online review program based on over 50 years of work by Dot McClendon, a legendary educator and Mississippi’s 19-year STAR teacher Hall of Fame inductee. “As a teacher at The Mississippi School of the Arts and several other schools during my career, I was able to help guide the preparation of students in person,” said McClendon. “Now through our online, on-demand video review, students in Picayune classrooms, as well as classrooms around the country, around the breakfast table, or on the couch at home, are able to benefit from our approach.”

    More information about Jumpstart Test Prep can be found at www.jumpstarttestprep.com.

    Source: Jumpstart Test Prep

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  • ACT® Scores Improve for Johnson County TN High School Seniors Following Retake Program

    ACT® Scores Improve for Johnson County TN High School Seniors Following Retake Program

    Significant improvement over best prior scores were realized, with 64% improving an average of over 2 composite points after utilizing Jumpstart Test Prep Review.

    Press Release
    –

    Dec 13, 2021


    Johnson County, TN, December 13, 2021 (Newswire.com)
    –
    Today, Jumpstart Test Prep announced efficacy conclusions determined by h-squared Analytics, a Portland Oregon research firm retained to investigate improvements realized by Johnson County High School whose senior class used the Jumpstart ACT Review program to prepare for an October 5th ACT® exam (American College Testing). “Following completion of Jumpstart’s ACT prep review, Math scores increased an average of +2.7 points for 47% of the students. 56% of science scores grew, with an average increase of +3.0 points. Average score growth of +2.6 points was attained by 52% of students in the English section. The largest point gains were realized on Reading scores, with 58% of students improving an average +4.0 points,” reported Dr. Jake Hoskins of h-squared.

    The graduating class average for the seniors participating in the school’s retake initiative rose from 17.95 to 19.29.  The most improved student realized a composite improvement of +6 Points. The math subtest area most improved student also saw gains of +6 points. The science subtest most improved student realized a +12-point gain, and the reading subtest most improved student realized an +11-point gain. The English subtest had 4 students with +5-point gains.

    The score increases observed translated to a substantive impact at the school level in increasing the % of students passing certain accountability metrics criteria. 19% of students that entered with an ACT composite below a key threshold of 19, managed to reach or exceed that score on the last exam attempt following the review. Similarly, 20% of students managed to achieve the composite score of 21 threshold and reached eligibility for Tennessee’s Hope Scholarship Program which could collectively earn over $150,000 in scholarship awards.

    Observed score improvements were found by Hoskins to be statistically significant (p<.05) and positive in direction using paired, one-sided T-Tests for the composite score, and the science, English & reading areas of the exam. Math score improvement was marginally significant (p=.054).

    Leon Henley, principal at Johnson County High School, recently commented, “At JCHS, we know the importance of what doors a good ACT score can open for our students and we are always looking for ways to help our students improve. In collaboration with Jumpstart, we saw a good percentage of students that participated improve their scores.”

    Multiple Johnson County students were recognized for their improvement results and shared their thoughts about the program. Sydni Potter, a JCHS Senior, achieved a composite improvement of +6 points, to a 24 from a prior best score of 18. Sydni commented, “JumpStart made me feel more prepared for the ACT. The environment that I worked in this year while doing JumpStart also helped me better prepare myself. I recommend the JumpStart ACT Review to help anyone taking the ACT.” Knox Campbell, a JCHS Senior improving his composite score +5 points agreed, “I was given a lot of tools to work at my own pace with JumpStart as well as having in-school instruction. The videos with the JumpStart Review along with the instructor helped me feel better prepared for the ACT. The online pretest/posttest through the Jumpstart Review was a confidence boost for me because I saw my score improve.”

    Teachers at Johnson County proctored the streaming video-based review in their classrooms and reinforced the program by ensuring student understanding and providing additional practice before the exam. Heather Taylor, JCHS 11th grade English Teacher commented, “The Jumpstart ACT program is informative for students AND teachers alike. This was my first year teaching an ACT driven course and I needed all this information as much as my students did. I spent the majority of my time teaching the English and Reading courses. The information included in the Jumpstart Review corresponding student workbooks is invaluable. Jumpstart does the best job of breaking down the mighty ACT test. It starts with the basics that many have forgotten by high school, and then moves into the more complicated material the ACT will expect them to conquer. After twenty years of teaching and seeing many programs come and go, this has been one of my favorites.”

    Placing the success Johnson County experienced into perspective was company Co-founder & CEO, Sha Walker, who shared some of those key elements.

    “Johnson County faced enormous challenges this past spring with COVID outages and a statewide ice storm the weeks before the planned test day that delayed testing and prep for many schools. Johnson County’s plan to implement the Jumpstart subject area reviews into the school’s master schedule so their seniors could complete subject area reviews within three or four weeks before test day as prescribed was just one component enabling the impressive Average score gains over prior best scores. The incentive program Johnson County High created to reward students for achievement was well planned and promoted and their dedicated teachers did an excellent job with implementation and reinforcement. In order to be fully prepared, students need a complete review of the content they will see on the ACT®, along with all the tips, test-taking strategies and realistic question practice – all delivered and reinforced by educators in a near time frame to test day,” said Walker.

    Jumpstart Test Prep has constructed an online review program based on over 50 years of work by Mississippi’s 19-year STAR teacher Hall of Fame inductee: the legendary educator and tutor Dot McClendon.

    “As a teacher at The Mississippi School of the Arts and several other schools during my career, I was able to help guide the preparation of students in person,” said McClendon. “Now, through our online, on-demand video review, students in classrooms around the country, around the breakfast table or on the couch at home, are able to benefit from our approach.”

    Walker and McClendon cite the top three competitive distinctions of Jumpstart Test Prep:

    1. Offers highly visual, on-demand guided reviews integrated in the classroom as teachers reinforce and support curriculum.
    2. Provides content review, tips, strategies, and timed-practice as students engage actively by completing consumable workbooks.
    3. Includes online assessments to help identify deficits, refine skills and processes, and improve time management.

    School administrators utilized an online dashboard reflecting the video module completion progress of teachers assigned to proctor the review and/or individual student progress.

    More information on Jumpstart Test Prep and the complete analysis can be found at www.jumpstarttestprep.com

    More information on h-squared Analytics, LLC can be found at www.h-squared-analytics.com

    Media Contact:

    Hannah Mason
    Email: Info@jumpstarttestprep.com
    Phone: 833-835-8329

    ACT® and ACT WorkKeys® are registered trademarks of ACT, Inc.
    GED® is a registered trademark of American Council on Education Corp.
    HiSet® and Praxis® are registered trademarks of Educational Testing Service
    TASC® Test Assessing Secondary Completion is the registered trademark of Data Recognition Corp.
    Jumpstart Test Prep is not affiliated with or endorsed by any of these companies.

    Source: Jumpstart Test Prep

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  • Scott Central Attendance Center Senior James Darby Achieves an Impressive ACT® Composite Score of 33, After Reviewing With Jumpstart Test Prep

    Scott Central Attendance Center Senior James Darby Achieves an Impressive ACT® Composite Score of 33, After Reviewing With Jumpstart Test Prep

    Jumpstart Test Prep’s curriculum content review and time management strategies proved to be a successful combination by producing a gain of +6 composite points

    Press Release
    –

    Nov 3, 2021


    BROOKHAVEN, Miss., November 3, 2021 (Newswire.com)
    –
    James Darby, now a senior at Scott Central Attendance Center, who has ambitions to study Health Sciences at The University of Southern Mississippi, found one key to unlock the gate to those dreams through Jumpstart Test Prep. On his fourth ACT® attempt, Darby saw dramatic gains in his performance and improved his composite score from an initial attempt of 27 to a post Jumpstart Review score of 33. James gained in all subtest areas by improving +7 points in English, +6 points in science, +3 points in math, and +3 points in reading. The highest possible ACT® score is a 36 and the national average last year was a 20.8.

    It’s no secret that discipline and perseverance are key elements to success. Darby knows this well as he is a high achieving student who is involved in both the National Honor Society and the Beta Club. His commitment to achieving success is evidenced by his improvement journey on the ACT®, a test that many high school students dread. John Johnson, a retired educator and principal from Scott County and now serving as Regional Director for Jumpstart Test Prep for Scott Central Attendance Center, applauds Darby for his improvements. “I have seen many students with scores similar to James’ who didn’t work to further improve. He is to be commended for his attitude of working hard to complete our review program to achieve higher on the ACT®. The right attitude really paid off for him and he has a bright future because of it,” said Johnson.

    Darby said, “When I first took the ACT®, it was very stressful because it is nothing like an ordinary test. Jumpstart helped increase my confidence by adequately preparing me and concluding with multiple practice assessments.” The Jumpstart Review was provided to Darby through Scott Central and he completed the review both virtually and in the classroom. Darby received his improvements on his 17th birthday and said, “It was the best birthday present – Jumpstart helped me achieve my goal and I am so happy about that.”

    Pam Kennedy, ACT Prep Teacher at Scott Central, shared, “When James received his improvement scores, I was so excited that I wanted to climb a tower and tell everyone because I know the difference that just made in his life!” Kennedy continued, “Jumpstart helped my students so much – it is an overall review of everything they will see on test day and it includes time management skills they definitely needed to learn. I strongly believe investing in students’ success by providing the Jumpstart Review to better prepare them is well worth it and I wish all of my students could experience the improvements that James did.”

    “James represents a number of students who are able to change their futures with large improvements by using our review products to successfully prepare,” says co-founder and CEO Sha Walker. “Our review program was developed by legendary 55-year educator Dot McClendon, who has tutored thousands and thousands of students, helping them to perform their best. Jumpstart Test Prep is a proven, modern approach that works for anyone. We are so proud of James for his determination and know he has a bright future ahead.”

    The company’s website, www.jumpstarttestprep.com, describes its program as a review utilizing streaming video modules that are delivered on-demand. The program is designed for classroom integration or individual study and proven to help students of all ability levels stay fully engaged. Students gain the most improvement in the shortest time by learning difficult content in a way that every student can follow and understand. Students follow and complete the accompanying workbook as the review proceeds. Modules review the must-know content, include testing strategies specific to the exam, and conclude with realistic question practice modeled from actual “retired” exams that are provided under time constraint.

    According to student reviews of the program on the website, the program also helps students with time management, allowing them to work faster on test day. The company has found that when students are coached step by step, they can quickly secure significant gains, regardless of their initial proficiency in the subject area. Jumpstart’s ACT® subject area prep can be purchased à la carte at www.jumpstarttestprep.com.

    Source: Jumpstart Test Prep

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