For detailed information about the available Math Grants and free Professional development, click here.

To download a grant application, click here.

Contact: Kyle Whitehead
(312) 673-1301 (office)
(516) 382-0896 (mobile)
kyle.whitehead@resoluteconsulting.com

Computer-Aided Math Instruction Proven to Boost Scores
White paper shows I CAN Learn® Instructional Improvement System closes achievement gap

NEW ORLEANS –  As schools struggle to increase math achievement and improve science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education, research shows computer-aided instruction (CAI) is a proven, cost-effective solution to the nationwide problem.

A new white paper published by the International Center for Leadership in Education (ICLE) titled The Effectiveness of Computer-Aided Mathematics Instruction in the New Era of STEM Education concludes CAI has been proven to work at scale in independent scientifically based research studies and can help schools address the many challenges of STEM education.  The study concludes “computer-aided instruction offers advantages over traditional instruction, including one-on-one interaction, multimedia capabilities that enrich the lesson presentations, self-pacing, and instantaneous feedback.”

The paper finds:

• Schools struggle staffing math classes;
• There is a persistent achievement gap for at-risk students in the subject area;
• Resources are often not equitably allocated to STEM education in the classroom; and
• Teachers are forced to teach more content in less time.

As a solution, educators use CAI to elevate and standardize the quality of instruction in line with state and Common Core State Standards, delivering the same content and a consistent level of instruction to all students, regardless of social or economic status.  CAI serves as an “out-of-the-box” solution for teachers teaching out of field and can help close achievement gaps.

At-scale studies in the paper show only one CAI program has proven effective at increasing student achievement.  The I CAN Learn® Instructional Improvement System is the only middle school math program with Positive Effects, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s What Works Clearinghouse.  Students randomly assigned to the program scored significantly higher than students randomly assigned to traditional instruction.  Independent studies show, by using the program:

• Schools can close the achievement gap by nearly one-third;
• Students can learn 1.5 years of Algebra content in one year; and
• Districts can improve test scores and save money.

Studies show the program also helps every teacher meet the standards of a “highly effective teacher” as defined by the U.S. Department of Education in the Race to the Top grant competition.

To read a free copy of “The Effectiveness of Computer-Aided Mathematics Instruction in the New Era of STEM Education” visit www.icanlearn.com/results.html.  To learn more about the I CAN Learn® Instructional Improvement System, visit www.icanlearn.com.

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About the I CAN Learn^® Instructional Improvement System
The I CAN Learn^® Instructional Improvement System is a product of JRL Enterprises, Inc. “I CAN Learn” is an acronym for “Interactive Computer Aided Natural Learning.”  The system is a complete software and hardware computer package for delivering standards based Algebra and Pre-Algebra courses to the K-12, College, and Adult Education markets.  The education system captures the best instructional pedagogy and delivers this instruction through technology on a one-on-one basis to every student.

Contact: Kyle Whitehead
(312) 673-1301 (office)
(516) 382-0896 (mobile)
kyle.whitehead@resoluteconsulting.com

Tennessee Adopts I CAN Learn^® Instructional Improvement System as Math Textbook
State Commission approves program for sixth through eighth grade math and Algebra I students

NEW ORLEANS –  Students across Tennessee now have increased access to a program with proven effectiveness helping kids learn math, the State Textbook Commission announced last week.

The I CAN Learn® IIS was approved as a state-certified textbook for sixth through eighth grade math and Algebra I classes.  The news comes one month after the program was named an approved professional development provider for Race to the Top in Tennessee, a state that has been at the forefront of the national education reform movement.

“We are thrilled for the opportunity to expand our work with Tennessee educators to improve math education throughout the state,” said John R. Lee, President of I CAN Learn® Education Systems.  “Tennessee has been a pioneer in education reform, which makes this recognition even more meaningful.”

The Tennessee State Textbook Commission is made up of education administrators and teachers at varying levels from across the state.  The Commission uses an advisory panel of expert teachers in each subject area or grade level for advice on book selections.  New members with expertise in each subject area are selected annually.

The official textbook list is approved by the Tennessee State Board of Education.  Local Education Agencies then must select the textbook from the list that is most appropriate for their district.

Used by over one million students ranging from fifth graders all the way through junior college since its inception in 1995, the I CAN Learn® IIS is already an approved textbook in Oklahoma and California.  Including Tennessee, it is currently used in 34 states, in addition to Washington D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The U.S. Department of Education’s What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) recently updated its online database of middle school math interventions.  Only the I CAN Learn^® IIS earned a “++” positive rating, the highest possible score.  Ratings on eight other math intervention programs ranged from no discernible effects to just potentially positive effects.

Independent studies show, by using the program, schools can close the achievement gap by nearly one-third; students can learn 1.5 years of Algebra content in one year; and districts can improve test scores and save money.

To learn more, visit www.icanlearn.com.

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About the I CAN Learn^® Instructional Improvement System

The I CAN Learn^® Instructional Improvement System is a product of JRL Enterprises, Inc. “I CAN Learn” is an acronym for “Interactive Computer Aided Natural Learning.” The system is a complete software and hardware computer package for delivering standards based Algebra and Pre-Algebra courses to the K-12, College, and Adult Education markets. The education system captures the best instructional pedagogy and delivers this instruction through technology on a one-on-one basis to every student.

Contact: Kyle Whitehead
(312) 673-1301 (office)
(516) 382-0896 (mobile)
kyle.whitehead@resoluteconsulting.com

I CAN Learn^® Instructional Improvement System Named an Approved Professional Development Provider for Race to the Top in Tennessee

NEW ORLEANS –  As Local Education Agencies across Tennessee decide how to best spend their Race to the Top dollars, the state Department of Education has approved one program with over 15 years of scientifically-based research showing it has positive effects on student achievement.

The Tennessee Department of Education recently named the I CAN Learn® Instructional Improvement System as a statewide Professional Development Provider. Local Education Agencies (LEA) are currently working with state officials to determine how to best spend Race to the Top funds, although ultimately the final decision will be made by the LEA.

“We are excited to be part of the Administration’s bold education reform movement not only in Tennessee, but across the nation,” said John R. Lee, President of I CAN Learn® Education Systems. “The priorities of the Race to the Top program mirror those of the I CAN Learn® Instructional Improvement System and together I’m confident we can turn around our nation’s schools.”

In March 2010 Tennessee was named one of two winners in round one of the U.S. Department of Education’s Race to the Top competition, along with Delaware. The $4.35 billion program rewards states that are implementing comprehensive education reform in a variety of areas, including adopting common standards, building data systems to measure student growth, developing highly effective teachers and turning around our lowest achieving schools.  Nine states and the District of Columbia were awarded grants in round two of the competition in August.

The U.S. Department of Education’s What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) recently updated its online database of middle school math interventions and the I CAN Learn® Instructional Improvement System (IIS) is the only program with positive effects. Ratings on eight other math intervention programs ranged from no discernible effects to potentially positive effects. Only the I CAN Learn^® IIS earned a “++” positive rating, the highest possible score.

In line with Race to the Top priorities, the I CAN Learn^® IIS includes a complete classroom management tool that assists educators by providing longitudinal data tracking capabilities, a key component of the Race to the Top grant.

To learn more, visit www.icanlearn.com.

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About the I CAN Learn^® Instructional Improvement System

The I CAN Learn^® Instructional Improvement System is a product of JRL Enterprises, Inc. “I CAN Learn” is an acronym for “Interactive Computer Aided Natural Learning.” The system is a complete software and hardware computer package for delivering standards based Algebra and Pre-Algebra courses to the K-12, College, and Adult Education markets. The education system captures the best instructional pedagogy and delivers this instruction through technology on a one-on-one basis to every student.

Ratings on eight other math intervention programs ranged from no discernible effects to potentially positive effects.  Only the I CAN Learn^® IIS earned a “++” positive rating, the highest possible score.  The update comes as states and districts are looking for interventions that are proven to work to meet new federal goals outlined recently in the Race to the Top and Investing in Innovation (i3) grant programs.

The I CAN Learn^® IIS’ rating is reinforced by middle schools throughout the country that are experiencing positive results using the program.  Two recent examples include:

• Indiantown, FL: At Indiantown Middle School, a school with an 80 percent Hispanic enrollment, roughly half of which are English Language Learners, the percentage of students scoring at or above state grade levels in math has increased from 38 percent (2003) to 67 percent (2009) since implementing the I CAN Learn^® IIS six years ago.

• Granite, OK: At Granite Public Schools, the percentage of eighth grade students passing the state’s Algebra I test more than doubled, increasing from 43 percent in 2007 to 91 percent in 2009.  This occurred in the school’s first two years using the I CAN Learn^® IIS.

The WWC publishes intervention reports that evaluate research on curricula and instructional strategies for students in grades 6-9 that are designed to increase student outcomes related to mathematics achievement.  The I CAN Learn^® IIS’ “++” rating is based on an evaluation of five recent studies that meet the WWC’s evidence standards.  These studies included 16,519 eighth-grade students from middle schools in California, Florida, Georgia and Louisiana.

In February 2010, the WWC attested to the scientific authority of results from five studies on the effectiveness of the system’s results, pointing to the studies’ RCT’s as well as the number of students and schools using the program that were studied.  According to data posted by the WWC, the 16,000+ student sample size in supporting research is more than three times that of any other math intervention program studied.

“We are proud of the work that we have done in the past to achieve the What Works Clearinghouse’s positive effects rating and continue to improve the program every day to keep it,” said Jacqueline Canales, curriculum specialist for the I CAN Learn^® IIS.

To learn more, visit www.icanlearn.com.

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About the I CAN Learn^® Instructional Improvement System

The I CAN Learn^® Instructional Improvement System is a product of JRL Enterprises, Inc. “I CAN Learn” is an acronym for “Interactive Computer Aided Natural Learning.” The system is a complete software and hardware computer package for delivering standards based Algebra and Pre-Algebra courses to the K-12, College, and Adult Education markets. The education system captures the best instructional pedagogy and delivers this instruction through technology on a one-on-one basis to every student. It also provides a complete classroom management tool that assists educators by providing all the feedback needed to ensure every student’s success.

The NEA Academy Partners with I CAN Learn^® Instructional Improvement System to Offer Online Professional Development Courses

GAITHERSBURG, MD – March 3, 2010 – The National Education Association (NEA) Academy is partnering with the I CAN Learn^® Instructional Improvement System on an interactive professional development program aimed at strengthening math educators’ content knowledge and introducing them to new classroom strategies.

“The NEA Academy’s mission is to provide educational professionals access to effective professional development courses that they can take anytime and anywhere,” said Mark Stevens, vice president of professional & web solutions for NEA Member Benefits. “The I CAN Learn^® system offers outstanding courses designed to bolster content knowledge and raise the bar for quality math instruction.”

Course topics include building math concepts and process and communication skills, improving math reasoning, increasing math vocabulary, and presenting strategies for finding contextual meaning. Educators progress through the 50-hour online courses on their own time, at their own pace. Each lesson includes in-depth video, audio and a diverse set of presenters to help recreate the feel of an actual classroom.

“Teachers must constantly practice math fundamentals,” said Jacqueline Canales, curriculum specialist for the I CAN Learn^® Instructional Improvement System. “This program keeps teachers sharp and gives them the confidence necessary to add to their skill-set, all of which is ultimately passed on to their students.”

As a result of the partnership, NEA members have access to three online I CAN Learn^® professional development courses: Grades 3-5, Grades 6-8 and Pre-Algebra.  The courses have been recommended by the NEA Content and Quality Review Board, a panel of teachers, state association professional development staff, and university and community college faculty. Continuing Education Units are available upon completion of course, pending the approval of state and/or local offices. To learn more, visit sites.nea.org/academy and www.icanlearn.com.

About the NEA Academy
The National Education Association is the nation’s largest professional employee organization, representing 3.2 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators and students preparing to become teachers. The NEA Academy is the professional learning group developed to support educators with the highest quality online programs and is dedicated to meeting the professional needs of teachers and education support professionals.

About the I CAN Learn^® Instructional Improvement System
The I CAN Learn^® Instructional Improvement System is a product of JRL Enterprises, Inc. “I CAN Learn” is an acronym for “Interactive Computer Aided Natural Learning.” The system is a complete software and hardware computer package for delivering standards based Algebra and Pre-Algebra courses to the K-12, College, and Adult Education markets. The education system captures the best instructional pedagogy and delivers this instruction through technology on a one-on-one basis to every student. It also provides a complete classroom management tool that assists educators by providing all the feedback needed to ensure every student’s success. To learn more, visit www.icanlearn.com

The report, entitled “Technology’s Edge: The Educational Benefits of Computer-Aided Instruction,” was conducted by scholars from Princeton University and the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.  It was published in The American Economic Journal and concludes that by using the I CAN Learn® IIS:

• Schools can close the achievement gap by nearly one-third on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), particularly in low-income and high minority schools;

• Students can learn 1.5 years of Algebra content in one year; and

• Districts can improve test scores and save money, as the system costs less than it would to reduce class size from 25 to 15 students.

The What Works Clearinghouse attests in its February 2010 review of the study to its scientific authority, pointing to the study’s randomized controlled trial as well as the number of students and schools using the I CAN Learn® system that were studied.

Last year, after reviewing the performance of over 16,000 students using the I CAN Learn® system in the classroom and on high-stake state tests – the largest sample by more than three times of any math intervention studied – the What Works Clearinghouse awarded the I CAN Learn® system with the highest rating possible, citing scientifically-based, data-driven “positive effects” on student performance.

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About the I CAN Learn® Instructional Improvement System

The I CAN Learn® Instructional Improvement System is a product of JRL Enterprises, Inc. “I CAN Learn” is an acronym, which stands for “Interactive Computer Aided Natural Learning.” The system is a complete software and hardware computer package for delivering standards based Algebra and Pre-Algebra courses to the K-12, College, and Adult Education markets.  The education system is used in 32 states nationwide and is an approved textbook in California and Oklahoma.  It captures the best instructional pedagogy and delivers this instruction through technology on a one-on-one basis to every student. In addition to providing students with a complete learning environment, the software also provides a complete classroom management tool that assists educators by providing all the feedback needed to ensure every student’s success. To learn more, visit www.icanlearn.com

NEW ORLEANS – Math classes across the country are showing how the Web-based, interactive software program I CAN Learn® Instructional Improvement System not only improves math proficiency and test scores, but is also a critical teaching tool.  The system is garnering attention as states continue to look for proven, innovative programs that increase student performance and teacher effectiveness, two main criteria for the federal government’s Race to the Top (RTTT) grant program.

Independent, peer-reviewed studies have concluded that the I CAN Learn® Instructional Improvement System closes the achievement gap by nearly one-third on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP).  With the program, students can learn 1.5 years of Algebra content in just a single year and educators are empowered to meet the RTTT definition of being a highly effective teacher.  Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Education’s What Works Clearinghouse gave the system its highest rating, citing “statistically significant” increases in its case studies.

Classrooms in 32 states are currently using the I CAN Learn® Instructional Improvement System, and just recently, California and Oklahoma adopted it as a textbook.

Educators are hailing the system’s effectiveness.  Debbie Henderson, principal of Indiantown Middle School (FL), where approximately 80 percent of students are Hispanic and 50 percent attend English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, emphasized how the program increases teacher effectiveness.

“The I CAN Learn® Instructional Improvement System 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,” said Henderson.

The number of Indiantown Middle students meeting or exceeding Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) requirements has nearly doubled from 38% in 2003 to 67% in 2009 since the school began using the I CAN Learn® Instructional Improvement System.

Since 2004, over 50 schools in Oklahoma have started using the system with overwhelming results.  The percentage of 8^th graders using the I CAN Learn® Instructional Improvement System and passing state math tests increased by an average of over 20 percent in just one year.

In California, the I CAN Learn® Instructional Improvement System is being used in 36 schools with overwhelming success, including one school in the Los Angeles Unified School District which saw a 175% increase in the number of 8^th graders passing state tests after just one year’s use.  Pat Chawannakul, an 8th grade math teacher at Sepulveda Middle School in Los Angeles Unified School District (CA) noted how the system impacts student performance.

“All students are individually working for mastery and success at their own level,” said Chawannakul.  “I find that students are not afraid to ask questions because they are not being judged by the rest of the class.”

The number of students meeting ESEA requirements at Sepulveda Middle increase by nearly 40 percent since they started using the program in 2005.

Vincent Melerine, vice president of customer support, continues to see steady progress in schools across the country, stating, “We designed the I CAN Learn® Instructional Improvement System with the help of teachers who use it every day.  That’s why the program is so effective and why we see improvements year after year.”

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About the I CAN Learn® Instructional Improvement System

The I CAN Learn® Instructional Improvement System is a product of JRL Enterprises, Inc. “I CAN Learn” is an acronym, which stands for “Interactive Computer Aided Natural Learning.” The system is a complete software and hardware computer package for delivering standards based Algebra and Pre-Algebra courses to the K-12, College, and Adult Education markets. The education system captures the best instructional pedagogy and delivers this instruction through technology on a one-on-one basis to every student. In addition to providing students with a complete learning environment, the software also provides a complete classroom management tool that assists educators by providing all the feedback needed to ensure every student’s success. To learn more, visit www.icanlearn.com

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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