An Ed Tech study done by the federal government might have been inconclusive, but state studies have had more positive results, according to a recent ESchool News article. States such as West Virginia, Texas, Iowa, and Arkansas all saw some significant improvements through technology in the classroom. All studies indicated that when teachers are trained on how to use the technology, they usually show the best improvement.

As the saying goes, “Give a man a fish and he eats for a day. Teach a man to fish, and he eats for a lifetime.” The proper equipment just isn’t enough. One must also know how to properly use it. Teachers and students can’t simply be given shiny new computers and programs and then be expected to have effective results. Teachers must be taught how to use them, so they can, in turn, instruct students.

This is why Reading A–Z has training options available to subscribers. We know we can’t just tell teachers about all the materials at the Reading A–Z lake (website) and expect them to catch (download) all the materials they want. We need to instruct them on how to properly cast their line, so they can feed all their K–6 literacy needs, and in turn, give their students a steady diet of books and learning materials that will serve them for a lifetime.