New Review: Istation

Learning List recently reviewed Istation’s supplemental reading and writing resources for grades K-8. Content is presented digitally and includes printable resources. The adaptive instructional program identifies and addresses gaps in learning and supports intervention at each Response to Intervention (RtI) tier. The highly visual program engages students with humorous, animated content that frequently addresses topics in science. Instruction is presented by animated characters in an engaging, game-like format that includes direct instruction and guided and independent practice.

Instruction is personalized and adaptive, and targets each student’s learning needs. Students complete the “Istation Indicator of Progress” (ISIP) at the beginning of the year and each month thereafter.  Based on ISIP results, the program prescribes specific learning activities and the usage time needed to address individual learning gaps. As students move along individualized learning paths, instruction adapts, providing more or less challenging content based on student progress.

Students may practice reading skills using Istation’s library of books. The library has texts organized in 16 “Cycles” that range from PK-15. Cycles address particular Lexile ranges and some Cycles span grade levels. Generally speaking, lower Cycles (i.e., PK-11) address phonemic and phonological awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension, while Upper Cycles (i.e., 12-15) present a variety of literary genres and build vocabulary, fluency, comprehension, and word analysis skills. As students move through each Cycle, they encounter texts that increase in complexity.

About Istation*

Istation (aka Imagination Station) is an award-winning, comprehensive e-learning program used by more than four million students and educators around the world.

Known for its accurate assessments, engaging curriculum, and trusted teacher tools, Istation helps students in prekindergarten-8th grade achieve academic growth.

Istation’s computer-adaptive assessments (known as ISIP™) immediately place students on personalized instructional paths unique to their needs. And our animated, game-like interface engages students so effectively that they don’t even realize they’re being evaluated.

Along with Istation’s highly interactive digital curriculum, teachers also have access to a library of thousands of lessons perfect for instructing small groups or an entire class. Comprehensive reports are immediately available for educators, administrators, and parents.

Istation offers its ISIP assessments in Early Reading, Advanced Reading, Spanish and Math; Istation instruction is available for Reading, Reading in Español, and Math. Students can also use their Istation subscriptions at home.

Since its founding in 1998, Dallas-based Istation has seen tremendous growth. The company’s animated learning program now helps students in forty-four states and four countries learn and grow.

*The content in this section is provided by or adapted from Istation.

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