If they're not doing well on math problems, teachers can look at the data and find out what problems they are having trouble on,” Bell said.
One of the unique features about this program: teachers can compare their class test results to others at the same school. They can also look at how the school is doing compared to others in the district and state. Teachers can also e-mail parents their child’s report.
Teachers aren't the only ones pleased with the program.
“This is an amazing tool,” said parent Donna Poff. “There is no reason why a child can’t make a three or four now on the EOG tests.”
Bell has seen a correlation between students who do well on Study Island and EOG test scores.
“For the majority of the children that work on the program, and really use it to their best effect, I think it benefits them and it benefits the whole school,” Bell said. “Four out of five schools that I have consulted with have recently made Adequate Yearly Progress.”
Students can log on via the Internet anytime, anywhere to master coursework content. Study Island is currently offered in CMS for kindergarten through eighth grades. The district is working to get the program in high schools. Study Island is the company that has been building and marketing online, state standards-based learning programs that are the most effective and easiest to use of their kind. Their in-house technical development and content teams design and create educational programs, which are then sold to schools on a subscription basis through a direct sales force. Used by millions of students in thousands of schools across the United States, all of their programs are built specifically from state standards and are designed to create a very user-friendly experience for both students and teachers alike. If you would like to join the Study Island team creating excellent educational study tools for students to master their tests, then consider working as a Educational Sales Representative. These positions are flexible and involve some travel, but are home-based. SANTA CRUZ, Calif., Feb. 26 (UPI) -- University of California-Santa Cruz scientists have determined rats living on islands disrupt ecosystems on both land and sea.
Researchers said their findings have already helped make the case for this summer's first major rat eradication effort in the Aleutian Islands.
The UCSC scientists found the presence of rats on islands dramatically alters the intertidal zone, reducing the amount of seaweed and increasing the numbers of snails, barnacles, and other invertebrates.
Graduate student Carolyn Kurle, who led the study, said the changes result from the decimation of seabird populations by the rats.
"When you're on an island with rats, there are so few birds it's silent, in contrast to the cacophony on the islands without rats," Kurle said.
Some of the affected birds -- sea gulls and oystercatchers, in particular -- are major predators of invertebrates in the intertidal zone. In their absence, snails, limpets, and other grazers increase in abundance, eat more algae, and clear more space for other invertebrates to settle and grow, Kurle said, noting the result is a shoreline practically stripped bare of the usual cover of fleshy algae, or seaweed. K-12 educators and administrators can now take the free online video tour of Study Island and learn more about Virginia Standards Mastery and Standards of Learning Test Preparation. Study Island uses online/distance technology to help students prepare and improve their performance in mastering the concepts of Virginia's Standards of Learning (SOL) guidelines, which describe Virginia's expectations for achievement by K-12 students.
Study Island is web based and requires no software installation. With a subscription, students and educators have unlimited access to Study Island from any computer through an internet connection.
Study Island builds online standards-based programs specifically for state SOL requirements, including the Commonwealth of Virginia. Program benefits include immediate feedback and explanations directly to the student. Tests are organized into subjects and topics as per the Virginia SOL. Instructors can choose the order of lessons and tests or permit students to choose.
Progress reports track student achievement, and can be set up to report by grade, class, or student. If a student needs to retake a test to raise their achievement level, the answers and questions change, which allows for learning the concepts not memorizing the answers.
Study Island uses tests as well interactive games and worksheets to enhance learning skills. According to Study Island, 98% of teachers using say that the program helps students, 95% of teachers say it's fun and enjoyable, and 91% of teachers and 89% of students say it is easy to use.
Built from the Commonwealth of Virginia's standards, Study Island subscriptions can be purchased through the website or a sales representative. You can request a free in-school demonstration or "test drive" and sign up for free webinars that explain the program benefits. On the Virginia price list, each section can be purchased separately. Districts may qualify for special discounts. School licenses allow for access by all students for 1 year.
Here is a pricing example: for a single class, less than 30 students, 3rd grade math is $141. Study Island also offers Integrated Benchmark Tests (4 benchmarks per subject), Extended Learning Curriculum (includes biology, algebra, history, etc.), GED products, AP products, and Graphic Novel products.
Study Island is one of several Virginia SOL test preparation skill-builders. Administrators and teachers know the importance of programs like Study Island to enhance K-12 learning. Visit the Study Island website to learn more and take the video tour.