Achieving Manageable, Engaging Differentiation for Michigan Students

“We would work literally four hours on a Saturday and take each student’s NWEA weakest areas and assign them certain assignments for that one skill. It was hours and hours of work.”

Michigan’s Riverview Community School District is using eSpark to save teachers time and accelerate math and reading growth in kindergarten, first, and second grade. We sat down with Ms. Ann Kissel to learn how she uses eSpark’s apps, videos, and critical thinking activities to engage her 3rd grade students and support diverse learning needs.

How has eSpark helped you meet the diverse learning needs found in your classroom?

“It has been such a great tool to address all the kids individual needs. For example, in my classroom I have some students that are working on a kindergarten or first grade level, while some are working at a fourth grade level or above. Without having to pull different materials and constantly having to be focusing on this big realm of standards and skills, eSpark is automatically pushing down activities and apps and games for students to play right at their exact level.”

How has eSpark impacted student engagement?

“It is wonderful to walk in (to my classroom) and see kids so engaged. You can’t get their attention off the screen. They’re singing and dancing, and engaging in things that are so interesting to them that you know they are truly paying attention.”

How has eSpark saved you time?

“The biggest thing was taking that data. We would work literally four hours on a Saturday and take each student’s NWEA weakest areas and assign them certain assignments for that one skill. It was hours and hours of work. [eSpark] is just a magical thing. These apps and activities are just pushed right to them, directly at their need.”

Ready to see what eSpark could look like in your district?