Computer program helps students learn English

Computer program helps students learn English
Regional networking among Columbia Basin League (CBL) high school principals helped bring a new program to Walla Walla High School designed to help monolingual students acquire English skills while learning subject content.

Wa-Hi Principal Darcy Weisner earlier this school year was at a CBL principals meeting when he asked what interventions other schools were offering to students with limited English language skills.

Weisner learned Davis High School was using CONEVyT -- a low cost computer-driven language program -- to help these under-represented students. This program is endorsed by OSPI and Governor Christine Gregoire and requires no special software or hardware.

Currently Wa-Hi has approximately 45 students who could greatly benefit from this program according to Assistant Principal Brett Cox who has been assigned to research and bring the program to Wa-Hi. Next semester Wa-Hi plans to implement the program beginning with 20 students selected by the Math Department.