By Nick Mattera
A presentation at the Lewiston-Porter School Board meeting Tuesday really clicked with those in attendance.
Literally.
Attendees locked in their answers with the district’s state-of-the-art electronic clickers while participating in a presentation on the district’s utilization of data-driven curriculum.
More than 20 participants were asked a series of questions that appeared on statewide fifth-grade social studies examinations.
The answers and results were documented on a bar graph for everyone to see. It showed an example on how Lew-Port’s teachers can utilize the technology to conduct everyday classes.
“Teachers love the program,” said Tim Johnson, a data collection specialist for the district. “They are able to track test scores over a period of a day, a month or even the student’s tenure at the school.”
Teachers are able to use the programming for quiz and test preparation. It allows the students to enter their answers and the teachers to determine the problem areas, or the areas in need of improvement prior to an examination.
Teachers are able to electronically access questions and answers for individual students in an effort to determine specific areas of concern, something Johnson said that students appreciate just as much as teachers.
“The kids are more attentive, more willing to make mistakes and more willing to learn,” he said. “All of which benefit the student.”
Superintendent Christopher Roser said the district can use the software to track students over their time at Lew-Port as well as documenting the school’s results on all statewide standardized testing.
He noted the data collection software coincides with the district’s notion of becoming more technologically sound.
“We want to go to the next level, and in order to do that you have to become a smarter district,” Roser said.
In other news:
• The board announced Tuesday the installation of 57 interactive white boards districtwide.
• An H1N1 clinic has been scheduled from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. March 11 at the district’s community resource building.
