Lexia Software
Lexia is a computer program that provides independent practice in foundational reading skills. As students achieve mastery on a particular skill, the program automatically advances them to the next level. Since it is web enabled and hosted by Lexia, teachers can access student records both at school and from home. This capability allows them to monitor progress and print reports. Teachers decide when students need additional teaching before continuing on Lexia. They can also target specific skills they want students to practice on Lexia and/or print correlated practice sheets. For example, if a teacher notices a child is still confusing b and d, she can have the child repeat that session. Lexia has a home to school connection so students that teachers determine need extended practice can use Lexia at home. It is not uncommon for students to remark to teachers, “I saw that on Lexia”.

Lexia is used by all kindergarten and first grade students in Carlisle. Teachers can also give access to older children who need practice in foundational reading skills.

Aleks Math Software
Description provided by Rob Quaden (8th grade math teacher):
ALEKS is a web-based, artificially intelligent assessment and learning system. ALEKS uses adaptive questioning to quickly and accurately determine exactly what a student knows and doesn’t know in a course.  ALEKS then instructs the student on the topics she is most ready to learn. As a student works through a course, ALEKS periodically reassesses the student to ensure that topics learned are also retained.
ALEKS is an excellent complement to our problem solving based math program from Phillips Exeter Academy that forms the core of the 8th grade curriculum. We use ALEKS to review and practice math topics taught earlier in the year, to fill in gaps in skills, and to re-teach topics that students have not mastered. Due to the individualized nature of the program, all work is targeted at the specific needs of each student. Students who have mastered topics taught in class can proceed at their own pace to learn new ones in preparation for further work at the high school. It can also be used from home so students can retrieve their earlier work and work at their own pace.

Writing Workshop with Lester Laminack
Lester Laminack is a full-time writer and nationally known writing consultant working with schools through the U.S.  Mr. Laminack will be offering a professional development workshop for the Carlisle School teachers.

ELA:  Provide reading books that challenge students in grades 5-8

Seed money for our Cable TV show that will be produced by students

Anti-bullying:  Provide seed money for Rob Evans to meet with our staff on helping all students succeed