Software Smart Tips - EE

Improving Achievement in READ 180 Topic Software

READING ZONE

  1. Encourage students to always start in the Reading Zone, and to view the anchor video. [Ctrl-D = full-size screen]
  2. If students need language support, activate this in SAM, Settings.
  3. Students should do a passage read daily (modeled, practice, or record). When they record, they should also use the self-check button to listen and evaluate themselves. The Student Segment Status Report (p.100), row 4, indicates the Total Passage Reads.Remind students that their final Success Zone recording will reflect their effort in this zone.
  4. Double-clicking on any words pulls up the “Word Window”. The Decoding Tip is a great tool!) One click on any word reads it.
  5. Point out to students that their personal study words in the Word Zone will be highlighted in the Reading Zone.
  6. Tell students that the computer onlytracks the FIRST response for vocabulary and comprehension questions. A strategic reader takes advantage of the Passage button to go back and reread to ensure that the first response is correct.The Reading Zone closes when all 10 questions are completed.
  7. Encourage students to view their Stats frequently (Zone Menu screen). Seeing their cumulative words read is motivational and real evidence of success. This number is based on the amount of times students use the highlighter to read the passage. The Student Reading Report (p.98), column 8, also shows this number.
  8. For information about the types of comprehension questions asked, and the % correct, check the Student Diagnostic Report (p. 96).

[NOTE:The Go On button serves as a “save spot” with few exceptions.]

WORD ZONE

  1. The initial assessment determines sets of 5 study words with a trial of 2 out of 3 and by speed. These study words will reappear in later segments to ensure automaticity. Students will complete 7 different activities in the Word Zone.
  2. View student study words by checking the Student Word Zone Report (p. 102).
  3. When recording in the Word Match, remind students to speak distinctly so that they can easily match their recording with the word.
  4. Periodically, you may need to circulate to monitor these activities.
  5. The Speed Challenge will recycle previous study words. Students may not move ahead until their words are mastered.

SPELLING ZONE

  1. The software times student responses and counts words not spelled within 30 seconds as incorrect.
  2. Encourage students to click Spelling Clinic buttons (word, sentence, tip, parts, spell it). Important information will be identified (i.e. blends, inflectional endings, digraphs, common phonograms).
  3. The Spelling Clinic has been programmed to recognize and remediate at least 20 different types of errors.
  4. Three words at a time will be taught to maximize student attention and utilize working memory.
  5. Proofreading is an activity to help students transfer their spelling skills to writing. This is also good test-taking practice.
  6. Mastered Study Words are placed on the list of Review Words from previous topics and are reviewed in the Spelling Challenge activity.
  7. Students must correctly spell a minimum of 6-24 words to move on.
  8. To review mastered spelling words and those needing practice, see the Student Spelling Zone Report (p.106).

SUCCESS ZONE

  1. The software will allow students to enter the Success Zone only after they have demonstrated mastery of all study words and completed all the activities in each zone. (See Software Manual p. 184 for details.)
  2. Remind students that the computer is tracking their first responses.
  3. Have students inform you when they are finished with the Success Zone. Take a moment to publicly acknowledge the student.
  4. Request that the student log off after completing the Success Zone.
  5. Listen and score the final recording as soon as possible.
  6. All Success Zone activities are reflected in the Student Diagnostic Report (p. 96). The Context Passage score also appears in the Grading Report (p.78).

Evaluating Final Recordings

  1. Log in to SAM.Select student name & double click it.
  2. Go to Programs/ READ 180 (bottom of screen).
  3. Click Grading Tools.
  4. Click Fluency Evaluation.
  5. Select recording and click Play.
  6. Listen and select the grade from drop down menu. (See rubrics.)
  7. Add comments and SAVE.

READ 180 Day 1 Student Accountability and Success

C. Solomon – CA / D. Rodaniche – NE 8-07