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December 15, 2001
Awards of Excellence (cont'd)
By Kristen Kennedy
Finalists
LANGUAGE ARTS
Fast ForWord Reading (Scientific Learning Corporation)
Judges had mixed opinions of this reading program, but those who liked it, loved it. The program cross-trains core reading skills through music-filled multiple choice and animated word games. Judges especially liked the program's management tools, which offer individual and group progress reports in a variety of data formats. Student feedback, pacing, and lots of interactivity made Fast ForWord Reading stand out from the rest of the reading crowd.
Mac/Win CD. Price: $850. (Grade 3.)
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
American Museum of Natural History Seminars on Science (Classroom Connect)
"Excellent content" and "highly sophisticated" were used to describe Connected University's specialized science courses for teachers that ranged in topic from "Diversity of Fishes" to "The Study of Spiders." Course materials were comprehensive, and the entire experience brought remote learners together with expert course guides for in-depth science seminars. Judges found, however, that asynchronous discussion "didn't work" in courses with intense participation rubrics.
Web site. Price: $349 for annual subscription.
TaskStream (TaskStream)
Using a combination of off-line teacher training and online mentoring, TaskStream optimizes Web technology for ongoing professional development initiatives. Teachers loved the structure for collaboration (e.g., sharing assignments, links, lesson plans, etc.) and the sound principles of mentoring and teacher reflection. However, judges said "not yet" on winner status, opting to wait and see how teacher resources develop over the next year.
Web and on-site training. Price: Contact publisher for individual and volume pricing options.
VIOLENCE PREVENTION AND CONFLICT RESOLUTION
Take a Stand (Leo Media, Inc.)
We created a new category just for Take a Stand, one of the few fairly realistic conflict resolution programs available to help kids deal with violence in school and on the streets. This multimedia package is a complete, ready-to-use curriculum that includes CD, videotape, lesson plans, and workbooks. Judges nicked the winning mark, though, recommending more interactivity and opportunities for online collaboration and research for even more realistic scenarios and solutions.
Mac/Win CD. Price: $129. (Grades 6 and up.)
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