Leaders from Sampson County are set to continue success with a computer learning program for reading.

Lisa Reynolds, director of Federal Programs for Sampson County Schools, presented the Imagine Learning Program to the Board of Education to help address personal instructional needs for language and literacy students. It uses interactive content and activities, videos, songs and games.

“The service from this company has been phenomenal,” Reynolds said about the Utah based company.

The contract for three years is $570,000, with payments of $190,000 made each year. Reynolds said it will not require any local money since funds will come from sources such as Title I, which is geared towards closing the gap between low-income students.

The program benefited a certain groups, such as English as Second Language (ESL) students. Teachers wanted the program to be used for more students and as a result all students in kindergarten through second grade will use the program.

“I’m always happy to see us provide support at the K-2 level,” said Vice Chair Kim Schmidlin.

In addition to ESL students, fourth- and fifth-grade students in the transitional Read to Achieve program will also use it. The purchase also gives the district permission to use the program in summer schools too.

During the presentation, Reynolds shared success stories about students with improved reading scores. One of them included a second-grader who read on a kindergarten level. Through the program, the student was closer to the appropriate level.

Outside of school, the program gives students the ability to log on at home as well.

“They can do work at home and it is set up in a game type of format,” Reynolds said. “The kids like to that.”

Also, any teacher can log in and use it to teach the whole class.

“They can use it for a whole group and go in and remediate and assign kids specific things,” Reynolds said.

Following the approval, Reynolds said a lot of principals will be happy with Imagine Learning Program benefiting more students.

“I’m sure the teachers are as well,” Reynolds said.

The Board of Education is scheduled to make a final approval regarding the contract during its next board meeting, scheduled for this Monday, Aug. 22, at the Sampson County Auditorium, 437 Rowan Road.

Board members from Sampson County Schools, Tracy Dunn and Timothy Register, participate in a recent work session.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/web1_Board-meeting.jpgBoard members from Sampson County Schools, Tracy Dunn and Timothy Register, participate in a recent work session.

By Chase Jordan

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Reach Chase Jordan at 910-249-4617. Follow us on Twitter at @SampsonInd and like us on Facebook.