1. Using Technology to Meet the Needs of Diverse Learners A Digital Portfolio By Beth Kovalcik 3 rd Grade Teacher Minadeo Elementary, Pittsburgh

2. -Beth Kovalcik “How has the integration of technology allowed me to reach the diverse learning needs of my students in new and better ways?” Keystone’s Essay Focus:

3. Instructional Strategies In My Classroom Involving Technology Integration… Data Driven Instruction To Assess Student Needs Using SchoolNet Technologies Data Driven Instruction To Assess Student Needs Using SchoolNet Technologies Click to view Click to view Increasing the Home-School Connection Using A Classroom Website Increasing the Home-School Connection Using A Classroom Website Click to view Click to view Creation of a Waterford Early Reading Program Third Grade Lab Creation of a Waterford Early Reading Program Third Grade Lab Click to view Click to view

4. Data Driven Instruction To Assess Student Needs Using School Net SchoolNet is a technology tool that my school district uses to put data to work to assess performance,analyze trends and individualize instruction. As a SchoolNet Certified Trainer, I have the ability to use SchoolNet not only for my classroom, but for my entire school! JoeyJennyJohnny Jimmy MelissaMindyMark Melanie Sammy Cindy

5. Students’ Needs... A nalyzing and Interpreting Literature Third graders participate in literature circles to help improve their ability to analyze and interpret literature. Pennsylvania Reading Standard 1.3 Technology Used School Net Reading Mastery Groupings www.litcircles.org

6. Students’ Needs... Collecting, Reporting and Analyzing Data Pennsylvania Mathematics Standard 2.6 Third graders complete a daily survey using M icrosoft Excel. They then compare the class results to that of the Yahooligans Daily Poll results. Technology Used SchoolNet Math Class Report Microsoft Excel Yahooligans.com Daily Poll

7. Increasing the Home-School Connection Using A Classroom Website Minadeo103.tripod.com

8. Home-School Curriculum Connection Students and their families can go to the Classroom Web Links page in my site to access links that offer reinforcement, challenge and fun!

9. Home-School Communication Connection Parents can visit the Handouts page in my site to access papers (downloadable Word documents) handed out in class such as permission slips, forms, notices and study guides.

10. Home-School Classroom Connection Students can visit the Class Bulletin Board to post their ideas and questions. They can view the Weekly Challenge for a math problem solving challenge!

11. “ Parents and teachers need to be partners in our children’s education. Mrs. Kovalcik’s classroom website allows that to occur easily. It is a useful tool to keep me updated on activities in the classroom. I can also access review worksheets to help my child with assignments. Most importantly, my child enjoys using the website. Besides accessing the math weekly challenge, my child accesses educational games and a reading site that has helped her to improve her reading skills. The classroom website is a wonderful resource for parents and students.” -Mrs. Judith Kadosh Increasing the Home-School Connection Using A Classroom Website: What the parents have to say...

12. “It is wonderful to know that I can go to the site at any time for information pertaining to Katie's classroom. We have used it throughout the year to search for science assignments, help with homework, and study guides. It also keeps us informed about upcoming special events. Of course, Katie loves the links to the various learning games, as well. We appreciate all your hard work in keeping this website up-to-date. It is a great communication tool for teachers, parents, and children to work as a team.” -Carol Walter

13. Meeting Diverse Needs: Creating a Waterford Early Reading Program Third Grade lab The Waterford Early Reading Program™ is a comprehensive, research-based curriculum that teaches children how to read and write. It is one of the nation's first research-based, technology-driven reform models in early reading instruction.

14. Meeting Diverse Needs: Creating a Waterford Early Reading Program Third Grade lab Although Waterford is only available to students K-2 in the Pittsburgh Public Schools, I took the initiative to set up a Waterford Third Grade Lab to help third grade readers.

15. Meeting Diverse Needs: Creating a Waterford Early Reading Program Third Grade lab First, I solicited the help of third grade parents and grandparents.

16. Meeting Diverse Needs: Creating a Waterford Early Reading Program Third Grade lab Everyday during private reading time, a small group of students, monitored by a parent volunteer, head down to the Waterford mini-lab where they work on reading skills targeted to their specific needs. Now, students who were once reluctant to read during this time, look forward to the engaging and meaningful reading activities provided by Waterford.