Inside a math class at Full Circle Alternative High School, students sit quietly with headphones on, staring intently at their computer screens as each receives an individualized algebra lesson from a digital teacher. They’re “in the zone,” as one student described it. But when they struggle with a concept or a problem, they call over one of their two real life teachers for face-to-face instruction.

These students have failed algebra in regular education classes. But this new way of teaching math has reportedly made learning the subject easier for many of them, giving them a way to make up credits and better their chances of graduating high school.

Somerville Public Schools started using the online Education2020 credit recovery program during summer school last year and continued it through the 2010-2011 school year at Full Circle, said Assistant Superintendent Vincent McKay. The district funded the program with a government grant that aimed to increase the graduation rate among the sort of “over-aged and under-credited” at-risk students who attend the school, said Margaret DePasquale, who uses the program in two of her math classes.

One of DePasquale’s students, sophomore Dominic Campelo, said that the program accommodates a range of learning styles by integrating audio, visual and hands-on instruction. Campelo, 18, also likes controlling the amount of information he receives. 

“You learn at your own pace,” he said. “If you take more time to process information, you don’t have to get frustrated. Because if you get frustrated, you say, ‘screw it.’”

Campelo said that his poor attendance at school caused his grades in math and other subjects to fall and ended up getting him 'sent back.' But since he can log into his e2020 account at any time and from any computer, he can do lessons when he's unable to get to school.

“There’s no excuse not to learn,” he said. “That’s what I like about it.”

How Students and Teachers Use the Software  

After students sign in to the program, a digital teacher greets them and reviews the previous lecture. Then they take a diagnostic test before beginning the next lesson so that the program knows what they already know. The program aims to allow students to catch up quickly while learning at a comfortable pace, said DePasquale. Lessons last between five and 30 minutes, students said, and they can pause the video when they need to think things over or ask for help. 

DePasquale explained that students' proficiency in math ranges from a fourth-grade level to one that suits their age. She said teaching at so many different levels is "a balancing act", but the program enables her to monitor how well students are doing and how much work they complete every day. 

"I'm able to see their strengths a whole lot better by working with them individually," she said. 

Still, the program doesn’t work for all students, she said, because some need more peer interaction and attention from the teacher. However, she said the majority of students who have used the program have become more proficient in math, noting that the independence that the program affords keeps them motivated.

“Kids are in alternative school for a reason--some for attendance and others for getting too distracted,” she said. “Many have had few academic successes, and their confidence is low. This program puts all that away.”