Editorial: Is computer help unfair?

There are two computer programs in fifth grade—Aleks and Successmaker—and they might cause unfairness.

Aleks is a program similar to Successmaker but is based on the New York State tests. Successmaker is for those who had lower scores on any test. Last year, all students used Aleks and only a few had Successmaker. Now, it’s the other way around.

This is unfair for students only on Successmaker because they may feel left out. Students on Aleks might mistakenly make comments that make the other fifth graders feel bad. They are both learning programs, though one is for students that need more challenges.

All students don’t do the same level of math, so in class some of the students may be further ahead than others, creating confusion. Though both programs are helpful for learning, students pulling ahead by the will of a computer program is not fair.

Negativity is bad for the students’ learning.

(This editorial was originally published in the printed year-in-review edition of the Colonial Times.)