The Essential Skills programs are used with all of our students and are also one of our main interventions. They are widely used at all grade levels with perhaps 300-400 children weekly. They are being successfully used in the after school program with children who have attention problems. These programs keep the kids focused. Even at the end of the day when they are tired they are still very engaged with the programs. Our children have been making steady progress in their reading test scores and we attribute some of this progress to Super Phonics, Sight Words and Reading Comprehension from Essential Skills. These programs are very versatile for all students regardless of ability. They are even used for enrichment with some of our Kindergarten and grade one children.
Dana Chamberlain, Grade One Team Leader
Dr. Joe Ward Elementary, San Antonio, Texas
The programs from Essential Skills are very effective skill based programs. We like that the programs are self driven and that the students can work independently, no matter what level they are at. When used in combination with our other teaching tools they are very effective. We are very pleased with this software!
Nicki Adams, Grade Four Teacher
Hedley Consolidated, Hedley, Texas
I have used several Essential Skills programs and I know how excellent they are at reinforcing the basic skills. The software is basically designed to reach all learning modalities. Children at any ability level can work independently on them.
Julia Peter, Resource Teacher
Roosevelt Elementary, Houston, Texas
These programs are very effective for RTI tier 2 and 3 students providing lots of extra practice and repetition in the basic skills. All of my students love these programs and work independently at their own level and pace. Essential Skills is like having another teacher in the room to provide individualized instruction. The reports are easy to access and you can see at a glance how students are progressing through the skills.
Susan Delaney, Resource Teacher
Sidney Lanier Elementary, Dallas, Texas
Both our teachers and students like the programs from Essential Skills. The children love that the graphics, colors and backgrounds are always changing and there are lots of different types of reinforcement. The teachers like the depth of the content and that the skills reflect what is being taught in the classroom. The programs represent very good value for the money. Also, the tech department people are available, supportive and helpful.
Nancy Olson, Technology Facilitator
Deer Creek Elementary, Crowley, Texas
We like the flash drive/memory stick version of the Essential Skills programs because they are portable and the entire program is stored and run from them. These programs offer most of the skills my students need in Language Arts. The students love using the programs and never complain about their time with Essential Skills. This is a reasonably priced learning tool that is making a difference for my students.
Sharon Thomas, Reading Specialist
Commonwealth Elementary, Sugar Land, Texas
We love your software and have used it daily for many years in Sp. Ed. and in the regular classroom. It is appropriate for children at all levels. Every child, regardless of ability can be successful and work independently. I have never had a child get bored with these programs. One boy used to miss three days per week and since he started on Essential Skills he shows up early every day to work on the computer. The children are actually learning the skills they need.
Kathleen Moore, Special Education Teacher
Pine Forest Elementary, Vidor, Texas
The Essential Skills programs thoroughly cover all the basic skills in each subject area at each grade level. The kids enjoy these programs and when they enjoy doing a program with basic academic skills they are going to learn from it. We would highly recommend this software.
Brenda Tubbs, Computer Lab Assistant
Northwest Elementary, Brownwood, Texas
We use Essential Skills programs daily. The children really enjoy their time on Essential Skills and are quickly mastering their math facts with the Mad Minute math. These programs are engaging and easy to use. Also, there is great tech support backing up this dependable software.
Denise Salmon, Curriculum Technologist
Crestview Elementary, Wolfforth, Texas
We use Essential Skills every day. Our first and second graders love it. Our students can practice the skills that they need regardless of their ability level. These programs give immediate feedback, great reinforcement and track student progress. I would rate this software a ten out of ten and look forward to purchasing more.
Elenor Maldonado, Computer Lab Teacher
Alarcon Elementary, San Elizario, Texas