Study Island

[jsfowler]

How many middle schools use this program? What can you tell me about it? How do you use it in your classroom? Is it worth the money? I am staying after school today to preview the program.

[Ms.Champion]

I worked with Study Island last year during my student teaching. It was in a 3rd grade classroom, though. The middle school I teach at now doesn't have study island. I really liked it during my student teaching experience. It allowed the kids to work on their reading comprehension, math skills and computer skills. I also liked that it was avilable over the internet to use anywhere that has a internet connection. I wished I had it at the middle school I work at, but we wouldn't have access to a computer to use it anyway. So, it really doesn't matter...lol

[jsfowler]

Well, we bought the program and overall I am happy with what I saw. My only concern is there is no 7th grade social studies or 8th grade science because social studies is tested in 8th and science in 7th in Kentucky. There is also nothing for Arts and Humanities and Practical Living.

[irish223]

My only concern is there is no 7th grade social studies or 8th grade science because social studies is tested in 8th and science in 7th in Kentucky.

Isn't it crazy how districts prepare for the standardized tests? It's as though they think the only the only relevant science teaching takes place in 7th grade, and the only relevant teaching of social studies takes place in 8th. I'm at the elementary level, but it's the same there!

[jsfowler]

Well this is really a program for ESS and other after-school activities. I will be using it after testing as an end-of-the-year review. It is also something the kids can do at home since it is on-line. My district takes ALL classes very seriously. Study Island is the one that needs to wake up and realize that they would sell more of this if they included all areas. We only bought the probationary package to see if we like it.

[dangercat]

I've never heard of it...what is it?

[Boxcar]

It is odd how standerdized tests are done.

[jsfowler]

dangercat, Study Island is an internet program that is essentially a question bank. Each question is tied into your state's standards for end-of-the-year assessment. Students can do it on their own or as a group using response clickers.

[dangercat]

dangercat, Study Island is an internet program that is essentially a question bank. Each question is tied into your state's standards for end-of-the-year assessment. Students can do it on their own or as a group using response clickers.


Oh, that sounds interesting. I've seen a literacy program that sounds similar and it seemed to work well, but I've only seen it in the younger grades.

Brook

[jsfowler]

In previous years, our school has not subscribed to this program due to its elementary nature. While I still have issues with the "games" portion of the program, the questions are of much higher quality this year. Is it just me or are several resource materials below your expectations? When I go to a teacher's store for suplimental materials, I often have to go to the high school section because the 6-8 grade books are way too elementary for my 7th and 8th graders.

[EmM]

Is it just me or are several resource materials below your expectations? When I go to a teacher's store for suplimental materials, I often have to go to the high school section because the 6-8 grade books are way too elementary for my 7th and 8th graders.

I teach 8th grade Language Arts, and I have found the questions on Study Island to be pretty challenging for my lower level students. Our district also purchased Compass Learning this year, which I prefer to Study Island. You might look into it, though I suspect it is more expensive than Study Island.