Oregon DOE Adopts Cognitive Tutor Software
The Oregon Department of Education (ODE) has announced it has approved for use the Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II textbooks and Cognitive Tutor software, from Carnegie Learning, in statewide mathematics instruction for grades 9 through 12, through the 2015-16 school year.
ODE approval of texts and curricula involves a multi-step process of review, analysis of program elements and overall quality, assessment of educational effectiveness, and final panel review.
In addition to the texts, the state has approved the company's Cognitive Tutor software. Based upon an artificial intelligence model, the software can evaluate and analyze students' strengths and weaknesses and allow for differentiated instruction targeted to individual needs. It also offers such features as concrete, real-world examples, multiple representations of each problem, interactive examples, automated assessment, and immediate feedback.
Although individual Oregon schools' and districts' decisions to adopt state approved texts and curricula are voluntary, the state requires all texts to meet a minimum of 80 percent of the criteria established for meeting state-established standards for math, and since ODE approval is contingent on the aforementioned review, using approved texts ensures compliance with these standards.
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