Kurzweil 3000 Workshop

KURZWEIL 3000 PRESENTATION

DATE:   Wednesday, October 27, 2010

LOCATION:  CESA #3, 1300 Industrial Drive, Fennimore WI 53809

TIME:  12:30 – 3:30 p.m., Registration: 12:00 p.m.

TARGET
AUDIENCE:  Educators – Special Education and Reading/Title I

DESCRIPTION:

In these presentations, participants will learn how Assistive Technology and Reading Intervention may help meet their student needs in Special Education and Reading/Title I.

SESSION A: ATR will share information about Universal Design for Learning (UDL) and how UDL needs are met using existing and new technology tools. Focus will be on the use of Kurzweil 3000 as a testing accommodation to help your district provide accommodations to students needing text to speech assistance, and we will demonstrate several functions found on the new Kurzweil 3000 version 12 release to help ELL/ESL students as well as the new features in the web based license.

SESSION B: ATR will introduce how a new research-based software program from MindPlay uses principles of Response to Intervention (RtI) to Assess reading skills, Prescribe individual learning paths, Monitor Progress of your interventions, and provide Eye Tracking analysis to determine if possible ocular difficulties exist that keep students from benefitting from instruction. In addition, we will share details on a new reading intervention that uses the Orton-Gillingham method to assist struggling readers at the elementary, middle and high school levels.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES (Agenda):

Session A: Reading, Writing & Study Skills Software for Struggling Readers
1. Universal Design for Learning

• Basic Description of UDL and impact on student learning options
• Examples of Kurzweil 3000 as a UDL tool (learning differentiation)
• Highlights of technology & UDL

2. How to Use Kurzweil 3000 for Testing (Both Local and WKCE)

• Local Assessments—How to scan or import quizzes/tests for local use
• Use of Zone Editing and Tools to prepare tests from various originals
• Applications for standardized tests

3. Using the Translation Function in Kurzweil 3000

• For ELL students or for occasional translations of documents to/from English to other languages
Session B: RtI Applied to Reading Assessment Tools

1. All Online Assessments are not equal

• Intro to RAPS 360 as a Reading Assessment/Progress Monitor/Prescription tool
• Reports at Student, Class, School, District level for RtI applications
• Informed instruction for EACH student based on assessment and monitoring

2. How Orton Gillingham Techniques are Applied Via Technology-Based Programs

• Intro to My Reading Coach as K-12 reading intervention with individualized assignments/placements/lessons
• How technology applies Orton Gillingham methods in adaptive, individualized manner

Presenters:
Nick Hanford: Session A, Reading, Writing and Study Skills Software for Struggling Readers
Nick Hanford received his Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and his MBA from the UW-Oshkosh. His expertise in AT solutions began in the third grade when he started using software for his own reading and writing impairment due to dyslexia. Nick holds certifications in Dragon NaturallySpeaking and scan and read software including Kurzweil 3000 & Read&Write Gold. His consultation services to schools include helping to set up AT teams, establish universal libraries, install and configure software and provide training. To date, Nick has assisted over 350 individuals, schools and universities in Wisconsin with their adaptive technology needs.

Ed Kowieski: Session B, RtI Applied to Reading Assessment Tools 
Ed Kowieski is a graduate of North Central Technical College in Wausau, with an Associate Degree in Marketing/Credit Management; a Bachelor of Science from UW-Stout in Menomonie, and a Masters of Science from UW-Whitewater. Ed’s background in educational publishing, software sales and support, has helped Wisconsin school districts assist struggling learners to achieve higher proficiency levels. His familiarity with numerous technology-based programs and his understanding of the needs of struggling learners helps him provide solutions that are often “outside the box”.

 

Participant Cancellation Policy: You must contact CESA #3 at least one week prior to the scheduled event to cancel and receive a full refund of your registration fee. Cancellations not received at least one week prior to the registered event will be charged the full registration fee. CESA #3 reserves the right to cancel any workshop due to insufficient enrollment. Participants will be notified by e-mail or phone if a workshop is cancelled. If a participant is a 'no show' the school will be billed for the registration fee, or loss of the 'free' attendance slot. Accommodations: If you need an accommodation to participate including interpreter services (sign language or other spoken language) please email the workshop contact to set up these services. A two-week notice is appreciated. CESA #3 is handicapped accessible.