Illyria Zhitia, 7th Grade, and Eliana Johnson, 7th Grade
Teachers and students have differing opinions about Learning Lab, a new 30-minute course designed to improve reading comprehension among students.
Some students have strong feelings, such as Avery Williams, a seventh-grader.
“It’s bad and it’s a very disgusting platform,” Williams said about Lexia.
Williams added that while some students may need programs, there are many who do not. Williams added that many students feel the programs are below their ability.
Other students don’t feel as strongly about Learning Lab as Williams, but share concerns.
“I wouldn’t want it to continue because it’s not really engaging,” said seventh-grader Mohamed Ali.
Learning Lab replaced the class formerly known as PAW (Proficiency at work). Changes to the class included everyone taking Learning Lab first thing in the morning, from 8:40-9:10, and every student receiving an intervention during the first and third grading periods. During the second and fourth grading periods, students will take an enrichment class.
During the first grading period, students have been assigned to classes based on their reading MAP scores. Some students use Lexia, while others use Reading Plus. Both are computer-based programs.
Many teachers feel differently than the students.
“From what I’ve seen so far it seems to be achieving the goal that it was set out to achieve, which is to increase our reading comprehension and reading fluency rates,” Mr. Cooper said.
Assistant Principal Mr. Wade said students will get opportunities to have more fun with Learning Lab after this first grading period.
“It is important to give extra help and make up standards they’re (students) missing,” Wade said.
While having a balance between fun and engaging activities and interventions is important, some students don’t feel they need an intervention.
“I feel like it’s kind of a waste of time,” said Raegan Yaste, a seventh-grader. “It could be better. Instead they could use that time to have an extra class or something.”
Not every student dislikes Learning Lab. Sixth-grader Emily Airington thinks Learning Lab is great, but she’d like less technology.
“Sometimes paperwork is better, and Learning Lab is just too short,” Airington said.
Not every student is using Lexia or Reading Plus. Algebra students are learning eighth-grade math standards they would not otherwise receive in Algebra class.
“I like my Learning Lab,” said seventh-grader Caitlin Lindblom. “It’s a social time for me and the work you do for algebra is fun and entertaining.”
Students at Noe recently completed a Google Form with a list of Learning Lab choices for the second grading period. Administration will attempt to give students their first or second choices.
