Passkey system helps Centre students improve scores
Instructors Cindy Riedel and Jennifer Montgomery appeared Monday before the board of education of USD #397 to explain a new computer program in operation in the school district.
Passkey is an easy-to-use, self-paced learning system designed to help a wide range of students gain proficiency in reading, writing, math, science, and social studies.
The program is designed to be used as a remediation program and/or an enrichment program. This year, it is being used only to help students with low scores in math and/or reading in Kansas assessments, beginning at the fifth grade level.
Any student who scored at basic or unsatisfactory on assessments receives priority.
Montgomery said students use the program during study hall or seminar periods two or three times a week under the supervision of Montgomery, Reidel, Nancy Brockmeier, or Yvonne Burhoop.
The program is provided through the Internet and can be accessed at home, as well. The cost to the district is $25 per student.
Students sign in with a password. The program begins with a pretest. If students fail the test, they continue with the program. When it is finished, they take a post-test. They go back and redo the work if they fail.
Riedel said the biggest challenge was to get students to buy into the program. Initially, they felt they were being targeted for punishment, she said. However, when they were shown their scores on the Kansas assessments, they began to understand the need for it, she said.
Montgomery envisions future use of the program by college-bound students who are preparing to take the ACT exam.
