California District Implements Writing Program Throughout Elementary Schools

Stanislaus Union School District in Stanislaus, CA, reported that it implement Vantage Learning's MY Access! writing software for the 5th and 6th grades in all of its five elementary schools. The program is being funded through the federal Enhancing Education Through Technology (EETT) program.

The software analyzes more than 350 characteristics of an essay, categorized under semantics, syntax, clarity of discourse, and style and scores the work and provides feedback on it, which is designed to help users to improve focus, organization, content and development, use of language, and overall writing proficiency.

Tom Freeman, principal of the district's Prescott Senior Elementary School, actually a middle school enrolling 700 students in 7th and 8th grades, learned about MY Access! some years back at a middle school partnership meeting. He said he thought the software presented an ideal opportunity for students to practice their writing skills independent of teacher supervision.

"Our teachers have 180 kids a day in their classrooms," said Freeman. "They would have the students write maybe three times a year because of the volume of essays to grade. That amount of grading somewhat deterred teachers from assigning formal writing projects. However, MY Access! has changed all of that. Currently, out of 180 students, we have 800 submissions from just our 8th grade class."

About the Author

Scott Aronowitz is a freelance writer based in Las Vegas. He has covered the technology, advertising, and entertainment sectors for seven years. He can be reached here.

Featured

  • students using digital devices, surrounded by abstract AI motifs and soft geometric design

    Ed Tech Startup Kira Launches AI-Native Learning Platform

    A new K-12 learning platform aims to bring personalized education to every student. Kira, one of the latest ed tech ventures from Andrew Ng, former director of Stanford's AI Lab and co-founder of Coursera and DeepLearning.AI, "integrates artificial intelligence directly into every educational workflow — from lesson planning and instruction to grading, intervention, and reporting," according to a news announcement.

  • toolbox featuring a circuit-like AI symbol and containing a screwdriver, wrench, and hammer

    Microsoft Launches AI Tools for Educators

    Microsoft has introduced a variety of AI tools aimed at helping educators develop personalized learning experiences for their students, create content more efficiently, and increase student engagement.

  • laptop displaying a red padlock icon sits on a wooden desk with a digital network interface background

    Reports Point to Domain Controllers as Prime Ransomware Targets

    A recent report from Microsoft reinforces warns of the critical role Active Directory (AD) domain controllers play in large-scale ransomware attacks, aligning with U.S. government advisories on the persistent threat of AD compromise.

  • Two hands shaking in the center with subtle technology icons, graphs, binary code, and a padlock in the dark blue background

    Two Areas for K-12 Schools to Assess for When to Work with a Managed Services Provider

    The complexity of today’s IT network infrastructure and increased cybersecurity risk are quickly moving beyond many school districts’ ability to manage on their own. But a new technology model, a partnership with a managed services provider, offers a way forward for schools to overcome these challenges.