Specifications include, but are not limited to: District is soliciting proposals for Educational Computer Software that includes a Diagnostic Reading Instrument, a Monitoring System for Self-Selected Independent Reading, and a Digital Library appropriate for Elementary and Middle School students. Self-selected independent reading improves comprehension of written texts and helps students develop vocabulary and background knowledge. Silent independent reading improves fluency by allowing students regular time to practice reading. Likewise, independent reading exposes students to knowledge of a range of important cultural and historical events. Students’ ability to choose what they want to read increases the motivation to read. When students are given a diagnostic reading assessment that gauges the student’s reading level, this data allows students to select books within a reading level range that will be both comprehensible and enjoyable to read. As teachers monitor student reading engagement and conference with students regarding the books they are reading, transferable student meta-cognition and reading comprehension increases. Digital libraries remove barriers to reading. Students can read e-books on smartphones, as well as any device at home and at school.
