IT: Reading of All Four Groups Data & Replies

I didn't see where any of my questions that I posted in the discussion room was answered, other than by Dr. Wang. I am follwing my three group members on their blogs. And I will learn how to invite them to follow my blog. I repied tothe inquiries from various classmates about "Failure Free" and "Paceware" software. I recently was layed off from an Alternative School for at-risk, juvenile deliquents. The school was their "get out of jail free card." The kids were tested using the the T.A.B.E. assessment (Pre-G.E.D.). Then according to their grade level scores they placed on Paceware (above forth grade reading level) or Failure Free (third or lower reading level). These kids were middle and high school students. Failure Free retested them, then pre-tested them, then auditorily read to them highlighted text, beginning at whatever K-3 grade reading level in which they tested. Before each story was read by the software, the teacher previewed the story and vocabulary with the student. After each story, the student was given comprehension worksheets to complete and master. After a set grade level of stories had been read, the student was given a Mastery Test. In between lessons, the student could practice spelling in the same manner (optional). Spelling could have been made mandatory, according to the student's needs and availability of staff. Once the student had mastered Failure Free or for those who had no need of it; they were moved on to Paceware. Paceware is awesome! It provides tutorials and drills and practice. It pretests the students in a subject matter than generates lessons based upon the gaps in their knowledge. For example in Reading a student may have to complete lessons 65, 66, 77, 81, 100, 101,120. Lessons were also available in the areas of Math (basic, intermediate, advance), Language Arts, and Life Skills, such as Employability. The students must fo through the lessons at their own "Pace" until they master it. After wach lesson they're given a "pre-test" in which they must score 90 or better, in order to take the mastery test. Each of these tests consist of ten randomly mixed questions and answers. Oftentimes, kids tried to zip through the lesson but just like our EDT 630 site and this blog, time, and correct responses are recorded by the system. For example if a lesson had 111 sections and the student only worked on that lesson for ten minutes and failed the pre-test several times, then that would alert the teachers, to either work with the student individually or remove him/her from the computer and let them copy notes and take the pre-test from a booklet on the same lesson. These two programs, helped students to work at their own pace in order to improve their reading, writing, and math skills; so that hopefully, they could go back to their former schools, get a G.E.D. or go to college or Job Corpe, etc., with better skills and high confidence. Teach a man to fish (read, write, do arithmatic) and you to him to feed himself for a lifetime; give him a fish sandwich (social promotion, uncaring educators) and you have to support him for the rest of his life.