Tom Meagher, LFHS math teacher, learned about the “Yearly Progress Pro” software program from Assistant Superintendent of Student Services, Julie Cooley Ed.D. Originally purchased as a diagnostic tool to track the progress of Algebra B students, the program has expanded to include all Algebra and some Geometry classes. Mr. Meagher is delighted with the response to the program from staff and students and it is projected to benefit over 800 students. “It is efficient for all teachers and gives detailed information to the parents and students.” Students are able to access their accounts for weekly updates from both school and home. The assessment portion includes mathematical practice problems related to the specific topic they are studying. Along with exercises and tests, students and teachers have the opportunity to view their progress. “The program identifies individual strengths and weaknesses, creating a clearer picture of each student’s progress.” It also identifies different learning styles, giving the teachers an opportunity to know each student better. The material can be saved to a PDF file for email, creating a visual representation for parents at home or during conferences. The Yearly Progress Pro software provides a strategy to “increase retention of material” and assures a smoother transition from one subject matter to the next during the school year and also at the start of a higher level of math.
The Foundation is pleased to fund these pilot programs. They provide the faculty with the opportunity to test new methods of delivering curriculum that can benefit a large number of students.