[MOSAIC] Read180

[LOOSE MARY BETH]

Joanne,
I asked this same question last year when our district was looking at the program.  We did purchase it for our two middle schools, and I am responsible for implementing it at one of those schools.  I am a reading specialist and use the program with a sixth grade class and a seventh grade class.  After working with the program for 3 months, here are my initial reactions:

1.  Must have STRONG tech support.  Our network, at first, couldn't handle the software components.  We had to upgrade.  Unfortunately, we didn't encounter some of the problems until we started using the program.  This made for a shaky start, and students were disappointed that we couldn't use the software until the changes were made.

2.  Teacher support is inconsistent from Scholastic.  Their website is good, but we've been trying to schedule follow-up training sessions - the market for this program in WI is saturated - trainers are extremely busy and difficult to get a hold of!

3.  Students placed in the program should fit the profile - this means that the student must be reading at least a 3rd gr. reading level, otherwise materials provided will be too difficult.  Also, student must be self-motivated and able to work independently, to some extent, at each rotation.  I have a mix of spec. ed. and regular ed. students - one was taken out of the class because of behavior problems - she'd break down and refused to work.  Another may be leaving due to behavior problems.  Two students I have were placed in the program, but are really struggling - they may also be pulled because the materials are too advanced for them.  You must look at each child's needs individually, and ask yourself if this type of program would be a good match for them!

4.  The materials do not integrate the mosaic strategies - I do this myself as we are reading the leveled books and the information in their "rbooks" (workbooks).  The program addresses the areas of decoding, fluency and comp.  Also, process writing is heavily addressed (I also integrate six trait writing).

5.  The students are motivated by the software component and the instructional model it follows.  In other classes around here, things are pretty traditional - students sit in rows and get the info. from their teachers.  It's different in this class and students seem to enjoy it and appreciate it.  

6.  There are a lot of components for the teacher to learn - lots of prep initially!  Now that I'm getting to know it better, it has become easier.  I did get my hands on the materials late this summer, so I really didn't get a chance to throughly examine it.  Try to order early so you get this chance.  The program is time consuming.  Students are with me for 2 hours in lieu of their English and Social Studies class.  This is a lot of time, however, I see the students being immersed in reading and writing acitivites (we also cover social studies topics).  There is never a down time for them.  It will be interesting to see if our scores improve for this population.  Areas districts who have be using the program longer (4 years) are reporting an increase in test scores and transfer of skills.  The program was recently highlighted in the Milw. Journal/Sentinel.  As I said, WI is going crazy for this program.  Overall, I have positive feelings for the program, even though it has a few shortcomings, but remember to be cautious - one program doesn't work for everyone!

Contact me off-list if you'd like any more information: m.loose at oakcreek.k12.wi.us

-----Original Message-----
From: mosaic-bounces at literacyworkshop.org
[mailto:mosaic-bounces at literacyworkshop.org]On Behalf Of
seabreeze77 at optonline.net
Sent: Saturday, November 25, 2006 5:18 PM
To: mosaic at literacyworkshop.org
Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] Mosaic Digest, Vol 3, Issue 23


Hi All!!   First, I'd like to thank everyone for sharing their wonderful insights and ideas. I have learned much from the people on this listserve and it continually serves to inspire me!! I do have a question for all of you. My district is looking into Read 180 as a means of working with our AIS and Special Ed population for those students who are reading at least 2 years below grade level. A representative from the company is doing a presentataion on Wednesday. Since this is a costly program and the sales rep is going to be doing a high powered pitch, I'd like some feedback from any of you using it as to the pros and cons of the program. What are the strengths? Weaknesses? Is it for those students having difficultly in decoding? Comprehension? Fluency? Is it motivating? It looks as though it is extremely time consuming. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!!Thanks!Joanne