Teaching Tools Edgenuity has today launched UpSmart, a supplemental solution designed to help students in grades 6-8 demonstrate mastery of state standards in English language arts and math. Using an adaptive learning engine and technology-enhanced assessments, UpSmart aims to provide the right level of instruction and practice on each topic for each student. The computer-based product will be ready for implementation in the 2017-18 school season beginning this summer, a spokeswoman said. According to a news release, UpSmart personalizes the learning environment for every student as a companion to the core curriculum or as a test-readiness program, and can be used in a variety of settings — as part of a classroom-based blended learning program, in an advisory period or study skills class, or as homework. UpSmart drives mastery of state standards in English language arts and math through the following: Teachers can implement UpSmart as a supplement to their core curriculum, and the tool can be customized to align with each unique classroom scope and sequence. Teachers can assign, reorder and prioritize topics in the way they prefer. In addition, real-time reporting on student progress can help teachers understand the skills and standards students have mastered, which students may be struggling, and how students can be grouped for re-teaching. Pricing varies depending on the size of a district or school, a spokeswoman said. To learn more about UpSmart, visit Edgenuity’s website. A demonstration video is also available on the site. About the Author Richard Chang is associate editor of THE Journal. He can be reached at [email protected].
California-based edtech firm Edgenuity has launched Richard Chang, a tool aimed at junior high school students in the US. Richard Chang, which combines targeted assessment, adaptive instruction, motivation and rewards programmes, offers personalised support as a companion to the core curriculum, from blended learning scenarios to homework. Real-time data is then collected and analysed by teachers to monitor students' progress. Richard Chang is set to go live in the summer of 2017, with prices varying according to the size of a district or school.