[info-tech] Following the Leaders Project

[Kathy Petersen]

What: Learn about Following the Leaders (see description of this free program below) When:  Monday, April 11, 2005    Where:   9-11am, Fort Dodge Board Rm and 1-3pm Storm Lake AEA Office, Suite C   IASB is working with a federal program secured by Senator Tom Harkin called Following the Leaders that provides two web-based technology tools to Iowa public schools at no cost and the training to implement those tools, also at not cost. These two programs are appropriate for grades 3 to 11 and include content in reading, grammar and mechanics, and mathematics, with limited content also available in science, informational skills, and work skills.   Eighty Iowa school buildings from all levels participated in the 2002-05 school year. They were part of an eleven state project that included 600 schools nationwide. The funding has been extended and expanded for this spring and the 2005-06 school year with Iowa able to expand the project significantly.     Below are descriptions of the two programs:   homeroom.com This is a diagnostic assessment tool that has a test bank of 200,000 Iowa Test like questions in math, reading comprehension, and grammar and mechanics for grades 3-11 given either on-line or on paper. These questions are linked to the Iowa grade level indicators and are in an Iowa Test like format. It also generates useful reports and these reports are available in multiple formats - skills-based, item-based, final score based, compared to other tests, etc. Plus there are some Internet resources available to parents, students, and teachers.  This should never be used as a second assessment. The questions are only at FACE VALUE like Iowa Tests. It�s another diagnostic assessment tool that will complement diagnostic assessments teachers already have in place.   Skills Tutor This is a web-based tutorial available to students in grades 3-11 (and struggling learners in grade 12). There are lessons in reading comprehension, vocabulary, mathematics, and information skills in grades 3-8. There are some lessons in algebra, science, and work force skills as well as the above listed at the high school interest level written at the grade 5 reading level. The interactive lessons last from 15 - 20 minutes. Kids can access them at home, in community centers - wherever they have Internet access. Kids seem to like them � they�re fun, have nice graphics, and are good support for classroom instruction.  Please contact Susie Olesen at IASB with any questions [EMAIL PROTECTED] 1-800-795-4272 x 222  Susan Olesen Iowa Association of School Boards 1-800-795-4272 x 222 Please email me, Kathy Petersen at [EMAIL PROTECTED], if you plan on attending with the number attending and district.  Thank you, Kathy Petersen ==================================================================================== Kathy Petersen, Media Secretary Prairie Lakes Area Education Agency 8 Iowa Central Community College 330 Ave M Voc-Tech Building - Lower Level Fort Dodge, IA 50501 515-574-5548    800-669-2325 Ext 5548 [EMAIL PROTECTED]   Life is a journey, not a destination!!!    Live well, laugh often, and love much!!!