Dear parent(s)/guardian(s),

Technology in the classroom can help bridge learning gaps by allowing teachers to personalize
instruction that engages students and promotes critical thinking skills. The International Society
for Technology in Education (ISTE) Standards for Students aim to prepare them to thrive in a
world in which technology is constantly evolving. To be prepared, students need to learn to use
technology as empowered learners, digital citizens, knowledge constructors, innovative
designers, computational thinkers, creative communicators, and global collaborators (ISTE,
2020). When used appropriately, the Internet is a powerful educational tool that promotes
achievement beyond the classroom.

In order to enhance student learning while covering each major topic in 6 th grade math: Ratios
and Unit Rates, Arithmetic Operations, Rational Numbers, Expressions and Equations, Area,
Surface Area, and Volume, and Statistics, students will consistently access Google Classroom,
Khan Academy/Mappers, Quizlet, and virtual math manipulatives. A brief description of how
each resource will be used is included below.

Google Classroom: Access to daily notes and solutions to check accuracy and quality of work or
to obtain missed work if absent. View Khan Mappers tracker to monitor progress toward
individualized learning goals.

Khan Academy/Mappers: Khan Academy provides playlists with videos and exercises aligned to
topics within each module for additional review and practice. Khan Mappers provides
personalized practice based on Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) scores to close learning
gaps and challenge students with higher level math.

Quizlet: Flash cards to review and learn math vocabulary in study or game modes. Students
may create their own flash cards or use the ones linked on Google Classroom for each topic.

Virtual Manipulatives: Interactive representations of mathematical objects that can be

manipulated by students to help them develop understanding of abstract math concepts.

In compliance with all local, state, and federal mandates, personal identifiable information will
be protected and harmful Internet content blocked. Students will be monitored as they
complete their online activities to ensure appropriate Internet usage. If necessary, additional
sites will be restricted through filtered or focused browsing sessions.

All computer privileges depend on a student’s use of the technology in a responsible, efficient,
ethical, and legal manner. A student may not:
● Use the Internet for any illegal purpose
● Use profane, obscene, impolite or abusive language
● Change computer files that do not belong to the user
● Violate someone else’s privacy
 ● Share personal information about self or others
● Violate copyright laws
● Tamper or alter the computer system

Any student who uses the Internet improperly or for purposes other than accessing educational
sites may lose computer privileges. Follow-up meetings with students and/or parents
concerning inappropriate online activity may also be held.

In understanding the value of technology and the expectations set for using online resources
responsibly to further their educational growth, I am confident that students will own their
learning. I look forward to sharing your student’s progress and the skills they have developed
with the help of technology. Please don’t hesitate to reach out at jmadrigal2@alliant.edu if you
have additional questions or concerns.

Sincerely,
Ms. Madrigal