Frequently Asked Questions
Program Design
What is the research behind iLit's design?
iLit's design is based on the proven effectiveness of the Ramp-Up Literacy model. The Ramp-Up Literacy instructional model has raised the reading levels of thousands of students by two levels in a single year. This base of proven efficacy makes iLit eligible for state and federal grants such as Title I and Striving Readers.
Which students is iLit instruction designed for?
iLit is a core intervention program designed for struggling readers in Grades 4-10. The program's first release, in 2012, will address Grades 9-10. Remaining grade levels will be addressed the following year. Typically, the program is delivered to students who are reading two or more years below grade level.
Program Implementation
How frequently do teachers deliver iLit instruction?
Teachers deliver structured iLit lessons during daily ninety-minute blocks.
I understand that the teacher delivers instruction through an iPad. Does each student have his or her own iPad?
Yes. Instruction is delivered entirely through the teacher's iPad and content is accessed through each student's assigned iPad. Teachers can push content directly to student's iPads during instruction. Teachers also receive real-time performance data through student's iPads.
What kind of support will the teachers receive with a purchase of iLit?
Every iLit customer is assigned a certified, highly-trained support partner who will create a customized support plan based on district needs. Support includes Professional Development, on-going check-ins and data analysis. They will act as a liaison to solve any problems within the district related to curriculum or technology.
Classroom Instruction
What does iLit instruction look like?
iLit uses a gradual-release workshop model, which steadily moves students from explicit instruction to independent application of skills. Daily lessons include self-selected reading time, whole-group sessions, small-group instruction, and independent practice opportunities. The true strength of iLit lessons comes from the program's ability to provide authentic progress-driven instruction. iLit uses assessment results, reading performance data, performance on writing tasks, and teacher observation to create a Personalized Study Plan for each student. This plan includes a leveled Interactive Reader, specific skills-based practice, embedded coaching, and guided independent reading practice.
Does iLit include writing instruction?
Yes. iLit honors the relationship between reading and writing skills by providing opportunities for students to write about what they have read. Students submit their written work through their iPads to receive immediate feedback.
How is vocabulary addressed in the program?
Each day includes a session devoted to vocabulary development. Vocabulary words are always taught in context so that students develop a true understanding of their meaning and multiple uses. Students also receive explicit instruction in vocabulary skills during the whole-group session.
How does iLit explicitly address essential literacy skills?
During the daily whole-group session, students receive explicit instruction in reading, writing, grammar, or vocabulary skills. Students then have a chance to practice the skills that they need the most work with during individual practice or small group intervention.
Progress Monitoring and Assessment
How does iLit help teachers monitor student performance and progress?
Student reading levels are measured and automatically adjusted through ongoing assessments. During lessons, teachers use real-time data about student and whole class progress to make informed instructional decisions. iLit also provides teachers with weekly reporting of reading growth.
How are learning gains tracked and reported?
Student progress is tracked in real time by a proprietary software embedded into the native app of both the student and the teacher apps. The work a student does is backed up immediately in the classroom via cloud-based technology implemented by the Mac Mini/HotSpot Combo. The data is available to the teacher at any point in the instructional day and while planning. Administrators are provided web portal access to all data. Our foundational efficacy has proven consistently that students gain two years of literacy growth in a single school year when implemented to fidelity, so each student is given a goal (either the system-based two years from initial placement or a teacher-assigned goal) and their progress is tracked against that goal.
Meeting Student Needs
How does iLit personalize instruction?
iLit includes several features that create a personalized learning experience for each student. Students have access to a high-interest library of leveled texts they can read during self-selected reading time. When students work independently, they have access to instant instructional support and embedded coaching. The program also uses current performance data to generate a Personalized Study Plan for each student. Individual needs are further addressed during intensive small group intervention.
Meeting Student Needs
How does iLit support teachers in successful program implementation?
The iLit program contains multiple layers of embedded professional development and just-in-time contextual teaching aids. Throughout the program, teachers will find AppTips, which provide useful tips for using the teacher app effectively during instruction. Teachers can also look to resources such as editable lesson plans, scripted lesson support, embedded professional development, and weekly progress reports to help with successful program implementation. Teachers also have access to a library of professional development videos, which illustrate model classrooms and program best practices. Finally, in addition to on-demand and just-in-time professional development, the district is supported by a highly qualified Implementation Specialist who assists with classroom setup, teacher implementation support, data analysis, and end-of-year rollover services.
Meeting Common Core State Standards
Does iLit instruction help students move toward grade-level achievement of the Common Core State Standards?
Yes. Most students enrolled in an iLit classroom begin two or more years below grade level in reading and English language arts performance. The iLit program provides explicit instruction to close achievement gaps and move students toward on-level instruction, allowing them to be successful in meeting expectations of the Common Core State Standards. Teachers can look to the lesson planner for information about specific Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening, and Language Standards that are addressed in each lesson.
Managing Technology
Can schools/teachers/students use other apps on the iPads?
The school district owns the device. Any additional use will be determined by that district’s technology use policies. Pearson will not “lock” the iPad in any way, and, in fact, encourages districts to allow their students to use the iPads in other classes.
