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Wireless Generation Introduces Complete Response to Intervention (RtI) Solution, mCLASS(R):RtI

Posted on: Monday, 21 May 2007, 12:00 CDT

Wireless Generation, the leading education company combining mobile technology and in-person professional services to improve teaching and learning in grades pre-K-12, today introduced mCLASS®:RtI. This new solution, based upon the company's proven mCLASS handheld computer-to-Web assessment and reporting system, enables educators to implement a Response to Intervention (RtI) program that makes early intervention efforts with at-risk students successful, improving achievement and ensuring accurate identification of students who need special education.

Studies on the RtI model show that many struggling students who receive early, intensive intervention can master foundational skills and continue in the mainstream classroom, rather than being placed in special education. The reauthorized Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA) has encouraged the adoption of RtI by permitting school districts to use 15% of their special education funding on early intervention for at-risk students in grades K-3.

"An important and exciting shift is occurring in education right now. General education and special education are working together to provide the early screening and intervention services that prevent inappropriate referrals to special education. This focus on prevention will save school districts significant amounts of money and it is the right thing to do for kids," said Larry Berger, Wireless Generation's CEO and Co-Founder. "mCLASS:RtI combines our mCLASS technology and customized professional development services to help manage this change in the traditional instructional program, and to make it both successful and sustainable in the long term."

mCLASS:RtI is a unique package of research-based assessments, real-time reporting, and professional services designed to include the critical elements of RtI identified by the National Association of State Directors of Special Education and the U.S. Office of Special Education Programs. Wireless Generation spent the past year with educators who are already doing RtI to understand the practical challenges of administering the program with fidelity, and to develop an mCLASS solution that enables educators to successfully implement RtI.

Using mCLASS:RtI, schools can:

Efficiently and accurately administer research-based reading and math assessments to screen for students at risk and monitor their progress, using mCLASS handheld computer-based software that streamlines assessment and delivers immediate results;

Access Web-based reports to group students by learning needs, and plan which intervention curriculum each student will receive;

Track what intervention activities have been delivered to each student and for how long -- and map that instructional record against student progress to evaluate whether interventions are being delivered properly and are working;

Sustain the RtI model and cooperation between general education and special education practitioners by working closely with a highly skilled Wireless Generation consultant, who delivers professional development tailored to the needs of the district.

For more information about mCLASS:RtI, visit the Wireless Generation web site at www.wirelessgeneration.com.

About Wireless Generation

Wireless Generation pioneered the adaptation of mobile technologies, including handheld computers and digital pens, for use in managing and improving teaching and learning in grades pre-K-12. The company's commitment to listening to educators and gaining a deep understanding of their challenges has lead to the development of offerings that optimally combine mobile tools, Internet technology, and in-person services to help improve student achievement in reading and math. Wireless Generation's mCLASS® products and services streamline collection of data about student learning needs and school operations, facilitate data analysis and interpretation, and build educators' capacity to implement data-driven instructional programs that deliver better outcomes for children. State and district school systems across the country and overseas now rely upon these offerings to achieve and sustain growth in their classrooms. More information is available on the Web at www.wirelessgeneration.com.

Source: Business Wire

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