Reading Interventions

Voyager Passport Improves Teaching and Administration Tools

• By Dian Schaffhauser
• 09/03/19

A K-5 reading intervention program has received some updates for the fall start. The latest release of Voyager Passport from Voyager Sopris provides for more time on task in reading. The program is intended for students who need extra help outside of the core instruction to work on phonic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension.

Voyager Passport is intended to be used about 30 minutes a day to deliver explicit instruction. It includes print and online resources for teachers and students, placement assessments and features that are designed to engage learners in reading. The standards-aligned "adventures" students work through cover science, social studies and the arts to build content knowledge.

Among the updates there are improvements to teacher and administrator functionality, such as a new "heart" tab that lets users designate favorite items; a new "add student" button that allows for quick updates to the student roster; and faster access to ebooks through a resources home page.

Students will also have an easier time moving through their materials. For example, learners will be able to access ebooks by clicking on icons at the top of the screen. Also, those who have listened to audio books will find a green check; those who are in progress will see a yellow icon; and those who haven't started will find an empty circle.

One district that has used Voyager Passport for many years is Autauga County School System in Alabama. Assessment Administrator Rachel Surles noted in a statement that the software helped students gain "the necessary skills and confidence to become successful readers. It has been such a joy to see the students grow, and I am excited about the future success our students will have thanks to dedicated teachers and Voyager Passport."