Destination Knowledge

Veterans Memorial Elementary

kmarsh — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 20:18:14 +0000

Hi Kristine,

I am writing in response to the email regarding the ABC Music and Me program. I teach a class of 11 students with special needs at Veterans Memorial Elementary School in Naples, FL and have implemented the program since September. We use the program every Mon, Wed and Fri. The children AND adults LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it! Attending skills have increased, their ability to follow directions has improved, ability to follow and continue a rhythm has improved and we have seen transfer from the music program throughout our day! The “instruments away” song has carried over into our daily routines. Whenever it’s time to clean up, at least two of the children will start singing that song! The children have learned concepts of just one and two through the distribution of instruments. Socially they have learned to respect each other’s spaces, although there are still a couple of students working on that skill. It is also so valuable that ALL children can participate. I have one student who is non-ambulatory and he gets a big smile on his face when the program starts. He is able to manipulate the instruments and follows the prompts to the best of his ability.
The family packets are extremely beneficial. So often the home component is the hardest to coordinate with school and the packets make the connection easier.

I am so thankful that we have the program in our class. It is definitely a highlight of our week.

Sincerely,

Penny Jacob, PreK Teacher
Veterans Memorial Elementary
Naples, FL 34109

Learning Center, Palm Beach

razn8 — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 00:32:30 +0000

“Thank you. I really appreciate you sending me the info so fast. I like the way your company continues to assist me with the program. Usually a company will sell you a product and disappear. However, you have continued to check in and give me support and feedback. THANK YOU!” Aleesa—Learning Center, Palm Beach

Largo Middle School

razn8 — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 00:16:27 +0000

“Your excellent customer service is truly appreciated. We can't wait for our professional development next month!” –Sarah, Largo Middle School Continue reading →

Dr. Michael M. Krop Senior High

razn8 — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 00:40:43 +0000

Awesome program. We have seen the results through the FCAT Reading scores. Love it!! --Irma Perez, Dr. Michael M. Krop Senior High Continue reading →

SEDNET

razn8 — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 05:05:43 +0000

Dear Larry,

I am writing this on behalf of the “My Reading Coach” program and Ms. Deborah Jordan. I have been working with Ms. Jordan for several years since the curriculum was referred to me by my counterpart, Dr. Hank Sterner, in Broward County. In cooperation with Ms. Jordan, we have trialed the program in Collier and Charlotte Counties and Hendry County is in process of purchasing the curriculum. I have found the curriculum to be excellent and have seen the results of the included assessment in identifying subtle reading issues not here to for recognized. Rather than go over the specifics of the curriculum of which I am sure you are familiar, please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have. Ms. Jordan has been wonderful to work with and is very knowledgeable when discussing the specifics of the curriculum with teachers, supervisors and network staff alike.

I believe his program is much superior to other reading programs for a variety of reasons which include; the diagnostic component, the style of delivery, and especially the teacher reinforcement component. Thank you for your interest and time in this matter and feel free to contact me on the below listed numbers.

Sincerely,

Katrina Nedley, Ph.D., LMFT
SEDNET Project Manager
District 8B
5775 Osceola Trail
Naples, Florida 34109

Archbishop Curley Notre Dame

razn8 — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 18:54:50 +0000

“At Archbishop Curley Notre-Dame High School, we have a very diverse student population with a wide variety of needs. Some students come to us with very low basic skills in reading and/or math, and some come to us with very little knowledge of English. The Destination Knowledge programs have proven to be a lifesaver to the students…. One student repeated a skill lesson in the Ascend math … He was understandably very happy when he finally mastered it. My Reading Coach has also proven to be very helpful to our students with poor reading skills or those who need help with spelling and pronunciation in English. Our students are also involved in a wide variety of activities, which makes scheduling time for them to work on these programs a real challenge, particularly since we do not have any special periods devoted to the programs and do not pull students out of class. Those who do take advantage of My Reading Coach and Ascend Math are highly motivated to get the most out of them.” Kim Lumpkin, Archbishop Curley Notre Dame Prep High School, Miami

Boca Ciega High School

razn8 — Wed, 30 May 2007 18:54:18 +0000

Dear Ms. Nash:

I am so grateful to have been a part of the Ascend pilot program. Thank you for the opportunity. From my experiences with the program, I think Ascend would be a valuable asset to Boca Ciega High School. Most of the students responded favorably to working with the program. I allowed students to work independently as much as possible thus enabling me to observe the real-time performance of each student. What a wonderful feature! Students knew that I was checking on their performance as they were working and therefore were more apt to take the assignments seriously.

I would have liked more time to familiarize myself with the program so that I might have been able to integrate the program more fluidly with the curriculum. If I am not mistaken, there is an Algebra 1 component to the Ascend program, which might be better suited for the Algebra courses. The Ascend 9-12 module would be wonderful for students in the Intensive Math course.

Overall, I think the program provides a wonderful opportunity for teachers to integrate technology and alternative resources into the curriculum. It is a proven fact that in classes where the teacher uses technology student achievement is greater than in classes without technology integration. In looking at the student achievement data, for the short time we were able to use the program, students saw immediate and significant progress while using the Ascend program.

The Ascend program meets the goals of Pinellas County Schools to offer a curriculum that is rigorous and relevant. It also affords the teacher time to work with the students individually, thus building trusting relationships with the students.

I highly recommend purchasing the Ascend Math program for school-wide use.

Sincerely,

Caleshia Haynes
Boca Ciega High School
Math Department