Reading Center Aims to Meet Education Act Goals
Lightspan Inc. has launched the Lightspan Reading Center, an online reading program for grades K-3 that is designed to meet the early reading goals of the recently signed Reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. The program was developed with funds from the U.S. Department of Education's Technology Innovation Challenge Grant and will be used as a model for online early reading initiatives nationwide. The center was codeveloped by a team of teachers and reading specialists from the Allen Independent School District in Texas, along with technology and curriculum specialists from Lightspan.
The program allows students to work at their own pace, and provides real-time online tracking of individual student progress by skill and objective. Teachers are then able to assess and evaluate areas of strength or concern. The Lightspan Reading Center's audio-supported instruction, designed specifically for K-3 students, provides a step-by-step guide to help young learners follow directions, complete interactive activities and challenge themselves to higher achievement levels. The program also includes an integrated, online and face-to-face professional development component to help teachers stay current on the most recent research as well as instructional approaches based on "best practices" of teaching reading to K-3 students. Lightspan Inc., San Diego, CA, (858) 824-8210, www.lightspan.com.