MTPS: Beacon District for Instructional Use of Online Program

Acknowledged for its purposeful and systematic use of online programs, as well as serving as an exemplary school district from which others learn, Marlboro Township Public Schools (MTPS), PK-8 in Marlboro, New Jersey has been recognized as a Lighthouse District by Edmentum. Edmentum is a leading provider of online programs to 43,000 schools in 50 states and over 100 countries worldwide. Providing MTPS with instructional technology that is proven, easy-to-use, individualized, and standards-aligned, MTPS has been identified as a Lighthouse District for its:

• implementation processes with fidelity
• professional development; both internal and external
• utilization of more than one solution, aligning each with the district’s mission and goals
• communication with all stakeholders, specifically between home and school
• collaboration among district and building leaders to analyze usage and performance data to make targeted decisions to support teaching and learning
• leadership serving as reference district, sharing best practices and success with other districts

Establishing a clear and solid implementation framework, Dr. Eric Hibbs, Superintendent of MTPS, has ensured a systems process for the district’s use of digital tools upon assuming the role as Superintendent in 2013. Each program is carefully considered and vetted for effectiveness at a high level before putting forth a process that clearly defines the purpose of the program, sets the expectations for how it should be utilized during instruction using district-level common assessment data, and identifies processes to monitor performance and usage. Under Dr. Hibbs’ leadership, the district continues to remain informed and intentional as it uses digital tools with fidelity to ensure the specific needs and learning goals are met for all students.

Included in the implementation framework, MTPS’s digital tools have been clearly defined for leaders, educators, students, and parents through various methods and resources including the MTPS Parent Academy, which reviewed each digital tool, its purpose, how it is utilized by teachers, including specific data to inform small-group instruction, as well as how parents can support at home as students continue to practice specific skills. Furthermore, resources and continued professional development is provided internally and externally, as well as shared through homegrown digital tools’ cheat sheets and an educational technology website.

The three Edmentum online programs being utilized by educators and students at MTPS are:

• Reading Eggs, used in grades K-1, is an engaging supplemental literacy program that builds on and reinforces the five pillars of reading (phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension) providing automatic feedback and rewards for students.
• Study Island, used in grades 3-8, is a rigorous online practice and assessment program for mastery of specific, grade-level state standards. It includes interactive features to engage students and reinforce and reward learning achievement as well as various teacher tools such as data and progress reports, instructional resources, the ability to customize teacher-built assessments, whiteboard activities, and more.
• Exact Path is an individualized learning program that utilizes adaptive assessments paired with targeted learning paths to support personalized learning by meeting students’ abilities in reading and mathematics, regardless of their chronological grade level. This program is used by students in the Title I P.O.W.E.R. program, supplemental programs including L.E.A.P. and R.I.S.E., as well as by special education students.

Learn more about how the district was able to seamlessly transition into remote learning: A Well-Planned Approach Leads to Seamless Virtual Learning in Marlboro, NJ