Reading and math are the two most foundational skills for every student. The general education curriculum is accessible to many students, and it is adequate for them to become college ready by the time they graduate high school. However, some children need more support, and all children can certainly benefit from extra support. Technology is an excellent way to provide some extra support for all types of students. I’ve recently learned of a program through Renaissance Learning called Accelerated Math. Henderson Collegiate (where I currently teach 4th grade Reading) has used Renaissance Learning’s Accelerated Reading program for a few years now, and it is a fantastic program that motivates kids to read independently and monitor their own reading comprehension skills. It is a fun program where students earn points for the books they read and their performance on comprehension quizzes. They have a point goal that they work toward continuously throughout the quarter, and kids love the challenge!

When I first heard of Accelerated Math from a colleague, I was extremely excited. It is a program that meets students right where they are and gives them targeted practice in that area until they master the objective and can move on. The program is aligned with Common Core standards that are already organized in such a way for students to work their way up as they master objectives. A unique aspect of this program is that students can work on multiple standards and objectives at a time, which accelerates their progress. This site gives immediate and accurate data to teachers in order for them to monitor progress and intervene when needed. Additionally, the program also encourages critical thinking and collaboration.

The great aspect of the program for kids is that, like Accelerated Reading, it assigns points to students when they master objectives. Students are highly motivated by the points system and really enjoy it. The fact that the program allows students to work in their sweet spot, regardless of whether they are right on grade level, slightly above or behind, gives every student an equal opportunity to earn points and succeed in math. This program can push every student to the next level while helping the student to enjoy learning. It certainly seems like a win-win type of program to me!

If you want to check out the website, click on the link: Accelerated Math

If you’ve used this program, I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments section!

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Lynn. (2016). Accelerated Math. Retrieved from: http://franklinregionales.ss4.sharpschool.com/faculty__staff/grade_levels/grade_5/accelerated_math