CPS Updates: Something New Is Coming......

iReady to Try Something New? 
This year, Cambridge Public Schools is rolling out the use of iReady Personalized Instruction, an online learning platform and tool that can be used by families (and OST programs) to provide additional learning time in math and literacy beyond the school day. The district is excited by the prospect of collaborating with OST programs and partners to support students this way! 
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How is this different from other online-based tools that CPS students use for learning? 

• The platform provides targeted lessons based on student’s individual skills (it’s linked to an assessment called iReady that all 3-8th graders take in schools)
• Lessons are designed to be culturally responsive, engaging, and connected to real-world scenarios (age-appropriate graphics, music, sound effects, activities beyond multiple choice questions, relevant and diverse texts)
• Young people grades 3-8 can follow their own pathway on the site, or teachers/educators can assign specific lessons to whole classes or individual students 
• The program includes quality content at all levels, from below grade level all the way to above grade level

When/How is this happening?

• Onboarding sessions for teachers is happening on Nov 8th (this is the no school PD day). OST providers are also invited to attend, although we assume many providers will be caring for young people that day! Additional training geared towards caregivers and for OST programs will be offered as well. The iReady program for the 2022-23 school year will be ready for young people to use by mid-November. 
• CPS Teachers CAN use the platform to assign and monitor student progress, but it is not required, especially this year, as all users gain confidence in the platform and what it can do. 
• With CPS, the Agenda team is planning a training session just for OST Providers (likely a morning in Oct/Nov) to orient themselves to the platform and figure out how they can use it in their spaces.

What does this mean for me as an Out-of-School-Time (OST) Program?

• You have the option of using the program at your site 
• CPS and the Agenda for Children will be offering training for OST Programs on how it works and how you can use it in your spaces
• iReady Personalized Instruction could be used during Homework Time, either as homework (if teachers assign it as such) or as a ‘after your homework is done but it’s not time to play yet’ tool.
• The program can help your after school staff communicate with schools/teachers, be more connected to work happening in the classroom, and be part of helping young people close learning gaps or get what they need in terms of academics.

More info is coming soon - for now check out this 2 page infographic about the timeline and how it will be used!