By Nina G. Wills
Wednesday, June 2, 2010

INDIANTOWN — After incorporating a computer program into daily lessons six years ago, Indiantown Middle School has seen a 35 percent gain in students scoring at or above grade level in math.

It’s the only school in Martin County to use the I CAN Learn software that teaches mathematical concepts.

Lorraine Gine, an eighth-grade math teacher, said she can’t imagine being without the I CAN Learn program, along with her traditional whiteboard.

“It would be like going back to the Dark Ages,” Gine said. “It would be like taking phones and televisions away. This is the future of education.”

The $300,000 program is paid for with grants and included 30 lab stations, the software, the server, the furniture in the classroom and three years of maintenance, said Principal Debbie Henderson.

Two years ago, Uzziah Davis struggled with math. Now, an eighth-grader, Davis is no longer struggling but excelling in the subject with an A.

“There is a tutor that helps me before I take the quiz and all the notes are given at the end to make sure I know what is important and I didn’t miss anything,” Davis said.

Teachers personalize lesson plans for students who work at their own level and at their own pace, Henderson said. A student is tested on each concept before moving on to the next. The program is used with advanced fifth-graders and in small group sessions with sixth- and seventh-graders.

“The ability to differentiate instruction is a key to student achievement and gives us flexibility,” Henderson said.

In 2001, Hidden Oaks Middle School, Murray Middle School and Stuart Middle School scored an “A” in math while Indiantown Middle School scored a “C.” In 2008-2009, all Martin County middle schools scored an “A” in math, including Indiantown Middle School, according to the Florida Department of Education’s school accountability reports.

The 30-station math classroom lab is used by the 100 eighth-grade students. They watch video tutorials and are required to keep an updated notebook. While one student is learning algebraic equations, another student could be learning geometry. If a student does not understand a concept, he or she can ask the classroom teacher for assistance and further explanation

Eighth-grader Eulalia Matias said she likes how the lessons are presented and the ability to rewind lessons she did not understand.

Gine believes that using computers has become a natural way for students to interact in the classroom and only has complaints from students when it is time to leave the math lab.

Indiantown Middle School, designated a Title I school, receives federal funds because of its large population of low-income students. In 2004, Henderson chose to use the school’s Title 1 funding and a matching federal grant to purchase the I CAN Learn Program for eighth-grade students. After success with the program, she bought another 30 lab stations, for use for fifth-to seventh-grade students in small group settings.

Public schools can use the additional federal funding however they decide to help meet student’s educational goals, said Cathleen Brennan, spokeswoman for the Martin County School District.

“There are many supplemental programs used at schools throughout the district, with each one chosen based on the unique needs of students,” Brennan said.

Pamela Peterson-Daly, an eighth-grade math teacher at Indiantown Middle School, said the I CAN Learn program is challenging her teaching skills and helping her become a better teacher.

“It keeps me on my toes,” she said. “If one student raises their hands and needs help they may be working on one math concept while another student is working on a completely different concept.”

Gine agreed: “This frees me up to help others. Learning doesn’t stop.”

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