Listen and Learn

Impact to My Classroom

# of Students Impacted: 120

The Listen and Learn grant helped New Smyrna Middle School outfit an entire reading class with headphones. The students in reading are two to three years behind in reading and many struggle with comprehension and fluency issues. The headphones are a way to help our students level the playing field and increase student comprehension, fluency, and reading scores.

Findings:

1. Improved Fluency: Students who had access to headphones demonstrated significant improvements in reading fluency. The ability to listen to audio materials allowed them to engage with texts more effectively, leading to smoother and more natural reading patterns.

2. Enhanced Comprehension: The use of headphones facilitated deeper comprehension among students. By listening to audio resources while reading along, students were able to grasp complex concepts more readily and make meaningful connections within the text.

3. Higher Test Scores: Perhaps most importantly, students who participated in the headphones grant showed notable improvements in standardized test scores. This improvement suggests that the intervention not only enhanced fluency and comprehension but also translated into measurable academic achievement.

4. Increased Engagement: Teachers reported higher levels of student engagement during reading activities when headphones were utilized. Students appeared more focused and attentive, resulting in more productive learning experiences.

5. Equity and Accessibility: The headphones grant helped level the playing field for students with diverse learning needs. Those who struggled with traditional reading methods, such as individuals with dyslexia or attention difficulties, found the audio-based approach to be more accessible and inclusivive. 

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7. The findings of this impact report underscore the positive effects of the headphones grant on student fluency, comprehension, and test scores. By leveraging audio resources, educational institutions can enhance learning experiences and promote academic success for all students. Moving forward, further research and investment in similar initiatives are warranted to continue supporting student achievement and fostering a culture of inclusive education.