I CAN Learn program allows differentiated methodology for high impact
Indiantown, Fla. (Dec. 14, 2009) – Math classes in a Martin County school are showing how an interactive software program not only improves math proficiency and test scores, but that it is also a critical teaching tool that has helped teachers become more effective in the classroom.
With courses in Pre-Algebra and Algebra, independent studies show the I CAN Learn (ICL) program significantly closes the achievement gap and raises test scores. Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Education’s What Works Clearinghouse gave the ICL Educational System its highest rating, citing “statistically significant” increases in its case studies.
In the drive to overhaul the public education system with the Race to the Top and Investing in Innovation funds, schools and school districts across the U.S. view ICL as a boost to school reform efforts.
Across Florida, 112 classrooms in 98 schools are currently using the program, and, at Indiantown Middle School, ICL has been helping raise math proficiency for nearly six years.
“We love I CAN Learn,” said Debbie Henderson, principal of Indiantown Middle. “It helps students become better at math and teachers become better teachers. Because of the success we’ve had with the program, our entire school uses the program, from accelerated 5th graders all the way to 8th graders.”
Indiantown Middle School is 80 percent Hispanic and about half of the students are ELL learners. Since implementing the program six years ago, Indiantown has raised the percent of students scoring at or above grade level in math from 38 percent in 2003 to 67 percent in 2009.
“With I CAN Learn, students complete each lesson and repeat it if necessary. You can’t put a teacher on rewind,” added Henderson. “ICL allows teachers to teach using differentiated methodology. It helps our teachers reach students who have previously not done well in math, ensures that gifted students can continue working without being held back by the need for multiple explanations and pushes the average student to always do better.”
ICL support manager Jean Sheridan continues to see steady progress in Florida, stating, “We designed I CAN Learn with the help of teachers who use it which is why it’s so effective and why we see improvements year after year.”
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