District Administration - May 2012 - (Page 63)

SponSored CaSe Study Capstone’s myON reader captivates K-8 students at all reading levels and interests Florida district turns the page on literacy E Capstone’s ever-growing library includes bilingual books ducators in Hillsborough County, Florida, no longer especially helpful to English Language Learners and their parfear the summer slide. Thanks to Capstone’s myON reader personal- ents. Optional audio that models fluency makes it possible for ized literacy program, the district’s 130,000 elementary and students to hear each book read aloud—with or without text and sentence highlighting. Embedmiddle school students are reading ded glossaries allow students to more than ever, even during breaks quickly define words, and links to from school. related websites and resources fur“Typically in June and July, ther enhance the experience. we’d see a decrease in the number Other features include: embedof books read,” said Barbara Handed assessments to measure reading cock, general director of elementary comprehension and text complexity; education for Hillsborough County reading growth forecasts by student, Public Schools. “Last summer, howclass, grade, building and district; ever, students read more in myON and unlimited, multi-user access to than they had in February, March every book. and April.” Books often tie in with other Capstone’s myON reader proschool subjects, notably science vides the largest integrated library units featured in graphic novels of enhanced digital books for read- “myON provides engaging text that available through myON. “In order ers at all levels and varied interests. to do well on science testing, stuThe program tracks time spent hooks students into reading, which dents must be able to read,” Milburn reading, number of books read, is going to be the foundation for said. “These books help improve reading growth and more. lifelong learning.” reading while promoting and reinThe district introduced myON forcing science concepts. And now reader to Title 1 schools in the fall every classroom, every home, has a of 2010, then offered a simplified version—which only tracked number of books read—to all set of these graphic novels.” Enthusiasm for myON has gone well beyond the district— K-5 students this past summer. The complete program is now where media specialists, district reading coaches and others expanding to all K-8 students and families in the district. “Very simply, it’s a library of more than 2,600 books avail- spent a couple days learning the system. Area charter and able instantly in your home, your classroom, day care, media virtual schools, public libraries and community groups have center—anywhere you can get to a web browser: tablet, desk- embraced myON, and they’ve contributed financing to make top, smartphone,” Elementary Library Media Supervisor John it accessible at their locations, thanks to a partnership with the Hillsborough County Children’s Board, Hancock said. Milburn said. “We’re seeing high interest in reading in all areas,” HanEach student has a unique username and password to access myON reader, where they find recommendations based cock said. “myON provides engaging text that hooks students on reading level and interests. They also can click on a teacher into reading, which is going to be the foundation for lifelong tab for assigned reading or browse the entire digital library. learning. The ROI is going to be increased student achievement Students can make their own list of books they want to read, in the classroom and on standardized tests.” and they can safely interact with readers and teachers through For more information visit www.TheFutureinReading.com. ratings and reviews. “After every five books they read, they take a short Lexile assessment,” Milburn said. “As students gain reading ability, the recommended reading list changes.” www.DistrictAdministration.com May 2012 63 http://www.TheFutureinReading.com http://www.DistrictAdministration.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of District Administration - May 2012

District Administration - May 2012
Contents
From the Editor
Letters
News Update
Sustainability Update
Conversations
Administrator Profile
District Profile
Problem/Solution
Product Focus
Digital Reading Empowers Students
The Critical Task of Hiring a New Chief
Hard Acts to Follow
Leading the Way
Sally Reis & Joe Renzulli
CIO News
Not Your Mother’s Student Information System
Professional Opinion
Noteworthy Books
New Products
Going Mobile

District Administration - May 2012