This year, 2 of the 4 classroom teachers were able to purchase a year's license of iXL Math for our classrooms. We tried to share, but due to cost per license, it wasn't possible. Both teachers were highly impressed with the program.
Unlike any other program we have tried, Everyday Math included, iXL Math offers a program designed to meet a student's needs. iXL Math can be programmed to reteach basic concepts for a struggling student as well as challenge a student working above grade level. The data was invaluable. I was able to guide my instruction based on student achievement. I follow the Daily 3 Model in my classroom. Math Writing, Math with a Friend, and Math By Myself are the components of the management piece of Math D3. I have been able to use the Teacher Time/Small Group Instruction to target the specific needs of small groups of students struggling with the same concept. The certificates, printed each week, bring a smile to my students. They love to share them with their table group. Students are able to use the program at home which allows them the extra time/support to grasp a specific concept. Another of the many features is the option to "listen" to word- problem. Many of our students are reading below grade level. Mathematical words can be confusing. A name in a word problem, such as Jamal, can STOP a student from understanding a simple one-step word-problem. Students have the option to click an option in an effort to better understand the expectation. My issue with so many programs, Everyday Math included, is that they are all about READING to solve a problem. So many of our students aren't reading at grade level. I want to know what they know about math and how I can support them. This program will help me know that exact question.
Both teachers using the program have found it to be highly successful. One of the greatest benefits for students is the "explanation" given for each incorrect problem. The program explains, in depth, why the answer was incorrect. Students with unsuccessful scores are given an opportunity to continue to practice while those that "get it" are able to move on to the next challenge.
Success for the teacher will be seen in the formative and summative assessments given at the end of each unit of study. Success for the student is the certificate awarded each week.
The iXL math program will be implemented during a "Math by Myself" Daily 3 Rotation.
My hope is to provide a class license for all third-grade for the 2018-19 school year.