by Joan Reissman
JFYNetWorks brings Technology into Education
MANY HATS
JFYNetWorks has worn many hats in its 48 years of operation, from job training to adult literacy to blended learning. In an ever-evolving educational landscape, our timely adaptations have kept us relevant and impactful. Our modus operandi is the integration of technology into pedagogy to differentiate instruction and raise academic achievement for all students, with the goal of enhancing economic opportunity and social mobility.
METHODOLOGY
Our core methodology is described by the acronym AIMS: Assess, Instruct, Measure, Support. This methodology drives all our programs. Its four elements are:
- Assessment: Utilizing online tools and existing school data to diagnose students’ individual learning needs.
- Instruction: Providing high-quality software that aligns with state standards, course curricula and district pacing guides. Online instruction can be customized for specific programs, standardized assessments and individual learning needs and styles.
- Measurement: Monitoring student progress through the curriculum as recorded in the embedded data system. Close attention to student performance enables timely intervention.
- Support for teachers and students is provided onsite and remotely via zoom, text, phone, email and on our website. We use real-time student data to make instructional adjustments that keep students on track. Continuous professional development and support for teachers builds proficiency and confidence. This structured and supported use of online content maximizes its effectiveness as a tool for teaching and learning, and for acceleration.
AIMS is the guiding principle of our blended learning, integrating digital tools into the classroom. JFYNet blended learning enables teachers to offer individualized instruction to meet each student’s unique needs. Applications include:
- Curriculum design: Core online instruction reinforces and supplements curricula in regular classes, credit recovery or test preparation by addressing identified skill gaps. This is the heart of the JFYNet program. JFY Learning Specialists align our software to the curriculum or type of academic preparation in use in the school. The Learning Specialist maintains constant contact with teachers so that timely adjustments can be made as needed.
- Group or one-on-one tutoring: Conducted by teachers, support staff or volunteers trained by JFY and supervised by the teacher and JFY. Scaffolded interventions address individual student needs, with specialized adaptations for EL students and students with disabilities.
- MCAS preparation and instruction: Focused on frequently occurring curriculum standards over the 5 years of 10th grade MCAS 2.0 and the 7 years of 5-8. JFY staff design practice tests and supporting assignments to build grade-level standards. Grade level standards are the basis of MCAS.
- Early College: Enhanced student support for early college courses.
THE ROLE OF LEARNING SPECIALISTS
JFY Learning Specialists are the engines that drive the program. Each partner school is assigned a dedicated Learning Specialist who provides essential support to teachers. These specialists administer assessments, create online assignments, and train staff on implementation. JFY provides ongoing professional development for teachers to help them integrate technology seamlessly into their classroom instruction. Learning Specialists also oversee the online management system, analyze student data, generate reports, and make instructional recommendations. By offering problem-solving support and being available via text, email, phone, zoom and in person, Learning Specialists ensure that teachers and their students get maximum benefit from JFYNet blended learning. Learning Specialists implement six principal program components:
- Teacher orientation/training
- Student baseline assessment and enrollment into the online curriculum
- Establishment of an instructional schedule
- Continuous support of teachers online and in-class
- Ongoing formative assessments and collaborative evaluations
- Final summative testing and issuance of reports and recommendations
COLLEGE AND CAREER READINESS
The term College and Career Readiness means preparation for economic success and social mobility. Most jobs in Massachusetts already require post-secondary education, and workplace innovation steadily raises skill demands. JFYNetWorks prepares students to meet these rising demands by supporting academic advancement from grade-level skill development in grades 5-8 to early college , Advanced Placement and SAT preparation in high school. Closing achievement gaps gives all students, from all demographic groups, equitable access to higher education and career opportunities.
EARLY COLLEGE
Early College programs enable high school students to earn college credits before graduation. These programs reduce the cost and time of college and prepare students for the academic rigor of post-secondary education. JFYNet provides enhanced academic and guidance support, working with students on academic skills and personal competencies such as study skills, time management, and self-confidence. Early College support brings the benefits of JFYNet to the next level.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR WRITING ASSESSMENT
JFYNetWorks has developed a new AI tool: the JFY/AI Teacher Assistant. This groundbreaking application uses AI to analyze and critique student writing. The tool addresses a critical need identified by teachers: the need to improve student writing skills. The Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) requires students to write essays. Significant gaps in writing proficiency have been identified. In order for teachers to assign more writing exercises, the time burden of manual grading must be reduced. The JFY/AI Teacher Assistant automates the evaluation process, providing instant feedback and allowing teachers to focus on personalized instruction. The Teacher Assistant uses rubrics, benchmarking, and prompts to produce comprehensive, actionable feedback. JFY is developing a similar AI tool for math word problems.
SHAPING THE FUTURE: SKILLS, EQUITY, INNOVATION
JFYNetWorks brings the transformative power of technology into the classroom to address skill gaps and prepare students for future success. By focusing on continuous innovation in the service of equity, JFYNetWorks ensures that all students have the opportunity to achieve their full potential. Our latest contributions to the changing landscape demonstrate our commitment to helping shape the future of education.
Joan Reissman is a JFYNetWorks learning specialist.
Other posts authored by Joan can be found here.
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