Learning Upgrade Boosts Opportunity, Achievement in Oakland Elementary School

OAKLAND, Calif. - June 24, 2015 - PRLog -- English-Language Learners benefit from Learning Upgrade math and reading curriculum

Manzanita Community School in Oakland, CA has realized remarkable success with the math and reading curriculum from Learning Upgrade (http://blog.learningupgrade.com). Learning Upgrade’s targeted, multidisciplinary approach, which integrates music, videos, and games (http://blog.learningupgrade.com/why-learning-upgrade/engaging-musical-lessons/), has helped ELL students (http://blog.learningupgrade.com/why-learning-upgrade/individualized-and-differentiated/) learn the language more quickly, while it engages every student with reading and math (http://blog.learningupgrade.com/courses) concepts.

More than two-dozen languages are spoken in Oakland’s public schools, which serve many new immigrant communities. There are often vast differences in ability among students. Some children have never been to school before, while others are brilliant in Arabic, but struggle in English. Any solution must bring significant value, because budgets are tight.

“Reading Upgrade does a great job of encouraging my ELL students to speak,” says first grade teacher Jennifer Kim. “It engages them one-on-one in a way I can’t always during regular class time. They are so enthusiastic!”

Learning Upgrade allows educators to meet students at their own level. The program provides differentiated instruction (http://blog.learningupgrade.com/why-learning-upgrade/indi...) through engaging content that includes song, videos, and exciting games, and it allows students to work at their own pace. The curriculum is fully aligned with the Common Core State Standards. Tamara Sturak, computer instructor at Manzanita Community School, has been advocating using Learning Upgrade for years. “I’ve seen many students work harder and focus better on Learning Upgrade than they do with traditional worksheets. They smile, sing, and have fun while they learn.”

The school makes the most of its one computer lab, with most classes using Learning Upgrade twice a week. Estefana Ramos teaches a bilingual second grade class. “I decided to get my students more lab time this spring. They love being able to collect points and track their own progress,” she explained.

Vinod Lobo, CEO and co-Founder of Learning Upgrade, was thrilled to hear about this school’s results. “The teachers and principal at Manzanita have found creative ways to implement our program, which has directly led to students making learning breakthroughs.  It is amazing to see the energy of the staff and students.”

Jennifer Kim and Estefana Ramos both plan to increase their students’ use of Learning Upgrade next year.  Jennifer Kim explained, “I have never seen another program break down questions so well. I just have so much gratitude for the people who created it. They really understand how children learn.”

About Learning Upgrade:

Founded in 1998 by educators, musicians, artists and programmers in San Diego, Learning Upgrade produces innovative, engaging lessons designed to support struggling students in reading and math. Through the incorporation of song, video, games and educational research, Learning Upgrade has helped thousands of students reach and exceed grade level requirements.

Press Contact:

Jacob Hanson, PR with Panache!

jacob@prwithpanache.com