Massachusetts: “Assets” for young readers

Jean Des Roches, founder and president of Assistive School System Educational Technology Services (ASSETS), presented the awards to the students with parents, grandparents and friends in attendance. “Each of these students worked very hard during this 30-hour program,” Ms. DesRoches said. “Of the eight students, seven have made significant progress and the eighth ... is scheduled to complete the program over the next couple of weeks.”
Working on computers in the assistive technology lab at 256 Union St., New Bedford, the students were evaluated using “My Reading Coach” software to determine their baseline in a variety of literacy skills. The program was then used to help them learn to read, evaluating needs and progress throughout.
“One of the beautiful things about this program is the ability to obtain objective data on progress at any time during the program”, said Ms. Des Roches. “The results for this group of kids is amazing and demonstrates that learning to read can be fun and effective, even for those kids who may be having a bit of difficulty”
The students chosen for the project were identified by Jo-Anne Mello Hodgson, Lincoln School principal, on the recommendation of their teachers.
“I can tell you that this program really sparked some of the students,” Mrs. Hodgson said. “Not only have we seen an improvement in their skills, but a real growth in their level of confidence.”

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Published on February 28, 2008

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