1. Using Educational Networks to Improve AYP By Jana Dugas

2. AYP AYP or Adequate Yearly Progress is a way TEA holds schools accountable. TEA looks at student performance on state tests as well as graduation rates (TEA, 2012). Our district failed to meet AYP for 2010-2011 because: Too many Special Education students for TAKS In reading, our economically disadvantaged students did not meet expectations of 80% passing in Reading

3. Why Networks as a Support? “A network is a way to share information or move it among locations efficiently and effectively. Electronic technologies can transport text, images, video and voice if the network is coordinated, integrated, accessible and compliant with common industry standards” (Matthews, 2004).

4. Why Networks as a Support? Networks can serve as a support in classrooms to teachers and students. “From another perspective, R&E (research & education) networks help people work better as well as faster. Sharing resources encourages people to collaborate. In collaboration, we can address the really big questions more effectively, transferring and processing data across national and regional boundaries to find answers more quickly” (Hashem, 2012).

5. Literacy in a Digital Classroom Integrating Technology with Reading, Writing, & Speaking http://literacydigitalclassroom.ning.com/ Read blogs, find links, watch videos, chat in the forum, see photos of other educators who are sharing information and ideas on using technology in the classroom through reading, writing, and speaking.

6. Literacy in a Digital Classroom Integrating Technology with Reading, Writing, & Speaking This valuable network for educators to access ideas to get our students more involved in reading, writing, and speaking. All learners would be challenged and have choices in their learning; addressing the various needs of all students no matter their learning style or level.

7. Flashcard Friends http://www.flashcardfriends.com/ Create flashcards, share with friends, or practice by yourself. Make your flashcards public. You may also view other’s flashcards if you don’t have time to make your own.

8. Flashcard Friends Vocabulary is a big deal in reading, math, and science. Especially when it comes to standardized testing; they have their own vocabulary. This can be used by any age group and for any subject area. Falk, Band, & McLaughlin (2003), found that using flashcards for special education students with reading difficulties was effective for improving sight words.

9. On our Way to AYP These are just two ways we can incorporate networks into our daily curriculum to help improve reading on our campus’. It is not the answer to the problem we are facing; however it will help when combined with other interventions already in place within the district.

10. References Falk, M., Band, M., & McLaughlin, T. F. (2003). The effects of reading racetracks and flashcards on sight word vocabulary of three third grade students with a specific learning disability: A further replication and analysis. (2 ed., Vol. 18, pp. 57-61). International Journal of Special Education. DOI: www.internationalsped.com/../11 Prinz McLaughlin.docwww.internationalsped.com/../11 Prinz McLaughlin.doc Hashem, M. M. A. (2012). Understanding the research and education networks. Retrieved on April 21, 2012, from http://www.bdren.net.bd/publications/Understanding the Research and Education Networks.pdfhttp://www.bdren.net.bd/publications/Understanding the Research and Education Networks.pdf Matthews, J.B. (2004, April). Why statewide educational networks are important to state and educational leaders. Southern Regional Education Board. Retrieved on November 17, 2009, from http://www.sreb.org/programs/EdTech/pubs/PDF/04T02- Statewide_Ed_Tech_Net_Important.pdfhttp://www.sreb.org/programs/EdTech/pubs/PDF/04T02- Statewide_Ed_Tech_Net_Important.pdf TEA (2012, March 1). Retrieved from http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/ayp/faq/faq_2012.htmlhttp://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/ayp/faq/faq_2012.html