New York Success Stories

My students ask to use the Essential Skills programs over other computer software and games. As a teacher I prefer these programs because they provide multiple practice and reinforcement of skills without a lot of silliness and interruptions. It provides the practice that my students need in a way that keeps them focused and interested. I have noticed a definite improvement in the ability levels of my students from using these programs. I can isolate specific skills and they can get lots of practice and review in a short amount of time.

Page Hannah, Special Education Teacher
Town of Webb School, Old Forge, New York

We are more than satisfied with our Essential Skills Math software! The math programs have been used constantly this year. I think the Patterning, Geometry and Data Management program was the biggest hit. It really helped visualize concepts some students have a hard time grasping. The section on Flips, Slides, and Turns was especially helpful! Thank you for such a well designed program. We also have versions of Grammar, Vocabulary Builder 3, 4, 5, and Super Phonics 1 and 2. They are all great!

Nancy Jack, Computer Aide
Charlotte Avenue Elementary, Hamburg, New York

I love the Reading Comprehension Level 3 program as do the other teachers and students. I will be purchasing more programs this coming school year. This is one of the best programs I have purchased for our computer lab! Thank you!

Patty Genesky, Teaching Assistant
Ontario Elementary, Ontario Cntr., New York

About six of our teachers use the Phonemic Awareness program and others with their students at least once a week in the lab and in centers in the classroom. I like that there are not a lot of distractions or bells and whistles in the programs. They really focus on the skills that need to be taught. It aligns well with our Houghton-Mifflin reading program. This software provides excellent reinforcement for the skills we teach in the classroom. The children like the immediate feedback the programs provide.

Stacy Quinlan, Grade One Teacher
Heim Elementary, Williamsville, New York

In the Port Washington School District, Essential Skills software has been a key component to the success of Response to Intervention (RTI). Our Instructional Support Team may suggest a specific Essential Skills program for a student to use in order to help reach a set goal. The programs are user friendly for children, allowing them to work independently. This is especially critical due to the increasing pressure for classroom teachers to address curriculum standards and individual needs through differentiation.

Alison Schlanger, Resource Room Teacher
Daly Elementary School, Port Washington, New York

We have been using programs from Essential Skills for grades K-6 three or four times per week for five years. The Reading Comprehension programs help to improve the ELouisiana test scores. Our students work independently and can navigate the programs very easily. They are comprehensive and very well organized. The skills are in alignment with state standards. This is great supplemental software to teach core skills.

Kathy Bleehar, Computer Aide
E. A. McAllister, J.D George, and Wettel Elementary, , New York

We have used the Super Phonics programs on a daily basis for three years. The students love the programs and activities. They are having fun and learning at the same time. I would highly recommend these programs to other teachers.

Kelly Juby, Grade One Inclusion Teacher
West Carthage Elementary, Carthage, New York

We have been using programs from Essential Skills for grades K-6 three or four times per week for five years. The Reading Comprehension programs help to improve the ELouisiana test scores. Our students work independently and can navigate the programs very easily. They are comprehensive and very well organized. The skills are in alignment with state standards. This is great supplemental software to teach core skills.

Kathy Bleehar, Computer Aide
E. A. McAllister, J.D George, and Wettel Elementary, New York

I am an early childhood intervention teacher and regularly use the programs from Essential Skills. I like the pacing, feedback and reinforcement. The children work independently at their own level and rate of learning. I highly recommend these programs to other teachers.

Ms. Phyllis Peterson Ruffin, Teacher
Purvis J Behan P.S. New York, New York

I love Essential Skills Software! I use it on a daily basis with K-2. It is straightforward skill and drill with not a lot of bells and whistles. The kids love the reward and reinforcement without it taking away from the content. These programs are especially effective for LD kids. The activities utilize a lot of learning modalities and the underlining skills in the programs pair nicely with what is being taught in the classroom.

Kathy Lincourt, Special Education Teacher
Crane School, Henrietta, New York