Recognition of International Business Machine (IBM) for Awarding the Reading Companion Software Grant (Programs For English Language Learners-Curriculum and Instruction Division)

The School District of Hillsborough County received a $100,000 literacy software grant from IBM. The IBM Reading Companion software is an interactive web-based literacy program that teaches children and adults how to read. School personnel working with English Language Learners (ELL) at selected elementary school sites, Canella, Cork, Dover, Gibsonton, Schmidt, Summerfield, West Tampa, as well as, Sulphur Springs/United Way Community Center and the Leadership & Acculturation Center housed at Dickenson, attended training in September. They began using the technology with an emphasis on increasing the English language skills of students and parents at their respective sites in October.

The Reading Companion Software features:

• Software which supplements our reading curriculum
• A Book Builder Application that allows students to author e-books which become part of a global e-library
• Software that recognizes speech patterns, listens to pronunciation, checks for accuracy and provides immediate feedback
• An Adult Literacy component which many of our sites are utilizing to enhance home school communication
• User friendly data that enables teachers to monitor student progress

IBM has provided access to the Reading Companion software to 450 schools and not for profit organizations around the world. Janell Ray, IBM Citizenship and Corporate Affairs Manager, said “Literacy is a key ingredient for students to be successful in schools, their personal lives, and their communities.” Therefore, she is proud to be part of district initiatives which promote family literacy.

* Challenge and support all students with an appropriate curriculum

IBM provides the software and data support at no cost to the district.

The Reading Companion software generates data on student progress and reading proficiency.