New York, NY SpringBoard®, the College Board’s comprehensive instructional program in English Language Arts, English Language Development, and Mathematics for all students grades 6–12, is integrating with Zinc Learning Labs, a NYC-based startup that provides an independent reading platform, to deliver customized fiction and nonfiction reading content to students for use with the SpringBoard Program.
Zinc Learning Labs will provide SpringBoard classrooms with access to its new online app to supplement teaching and learning by helping students build skills, confidence, and interest in independent reading. Developed by the renowned New York City tutoring experts at Zinc Educational Services, Zinc Learning Labs layers interactive games, quizzes, and tasks on top of thought-provoking periodical reading content to engage students across every reading level and personal interest. Designed to foster transformative learning and college readiness, the online tool gives teachers the ability to differentiate and scaffold literacy instruction through a robust selection of diverse, leveled readings and vocabulary.
Zinc’s unique incorporation of vocabulary into independent and class reading builds skills and confidence across the spectrum of ability levels. “Engagement has been extraordinary,” said SpringBoard pilot teacher Rebecca Wenrich. “The most exciting part is that students are able to examine, articulate, and reflect on their strengths and weaknesses as critical readers, allowing them to personalize their goals and outcomes. It is incredible to watch!"
Zinc quiz questions - which are aligned to college readiness standards- have been customized for SpringBoard, making it easy for teachers to browse by text or SpringBoard unit to find the perfect companion articles and fiction to support the texts they’re using in class.
“It’s easy to spot a SpringBoard classroom,” said SpringBoard’s Executive Director of Product Management, Douglas Waugh. “The students are engaged and discussing their work, while teachers ask guiding questions and encourage students to think more deeply about the work they’re doing. We are certain that Zinc’s content will complement our existing material and only deepen the excitement our students feel about learning and we are so excited to get started.”
“Connecting with the College Board and SpringBoard was such a natural fit for our unique style of teaching reading and critical thinking,” said Zinc Learning Labs founder and CEO Matt Bardin. “The feedback we are getting from teachers in our pilot has been extraordinary and we can’t wait to reach the almost 2 million students who use SpringBoard already.”
About SpringBoard:
SpringBoard® is the College Board’s comprehensive instructional program in English Language Arts, English Language Development, and Mathematics for all students in grades 6–12. The program’s design and content deliver improved student performance and more effective teaching. SpringBoard is research-based and written by leading educational professionals to make rigor accessible for all learners. Combining the highest-quality instructional materials, formative and summative assessments, and exemplary professional learning, SpringBoard prepares students for Advanced Placement®, and to succeed in college and beyond. SpringBoard is highly recommended by Phi Delta Kappa International (PDK) as a program of exceptional quality. For more information about SpringBoard, visit www.collegeboard.org/springboard.
Zinc Learning Labs empowers students with the college-ready reading and thinking skills they need by engaging them with diverse text, choice and gaming. Harnessing the power of technology, we equip educators with detailed analyses of their students' literacy strengths and weaknesses, supporting data-driven instruction and targeted interventions. For more information, please visit http://www.zinclearninglabs.com/