Mississippi Schools Turn to Reading Software

  • By Tim Sohn
  • 10/17/11

Approximately 75 schools in Mississippi have deployed reading software with the goal of increasing students' reading skills.

The following schools and districts have decided to use Lexia Reading: Hinds County School District; Pearl Public School District; St. Vincent De Paul School; Pascagoula School District; Harrison County School District; and Madison County School District.

Features of the reading software include:

  • An individually adjusted program for each student based on skill level;
  • Lexia's Assessment Without Testing technology, which provides data on skill gaps and a percentage chance of the student reaching his/her goal;
  • Strategies and lesson plans for teachers to help each student improve;
  • An iPhone app, which lets administrators and teachers check student performance via mobile device; and
  • Seven lessons for SMART and Promethean boards that focus on the most difficult reading skills.

Pascagoula School District implemented Lexia Reading last year. "Having access to students' real-time data is paramount to addressing student achievement, developing school improvement plans, and in sharing student progress with parents and stakeholders," said Erin Ayala, curriculum support and instructional technology specialist. "This live data is so instrumental when formulating instructional decisions, made simpler with the easy access that it affords; as opposed to the more cumbersome, traditional methods of collecting student work, or reviewing teacher grade books to examine student progress." The district, based in Pascagoula, has one high school, four middle schools, and 11 elementary schools.

Madison Elementary School in Madison County, which serves almost 600 students, launched Lexia Reading in 2007. "Our teachers and students love Lexia Reading because it profoundly impacts learning through individualized instruction while providing an engaging, kid-friendly platform for students to succeed," said Barbara Martinez, computer lab teacher.
Mississippi has a total of approximately 150 school districts.

For more information, visit lexialearning.com.

About the Author

Tim Sohn is a 10-year veteran of the news business, having served in capacities from reporter to editor-in-chief of a variety of publications including Web sites, daily and weekly newspapers, consumer and trade magazines, and wire services. He can be reached at [email protected] and followed on Twitter @editortim.

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