Stimulus money pays for new school prgram

ROCKVILLE, Ind. (WTHI) - Federal stimulus dollars could be paying big dividends for one Wabash Valley school district.

Rockville Community Schools Superintendent Dr. Randy Kerkhoff purchased a computer program last fall to help some struggling students. In just a few months, he's been thrilled by the results.

With bright colors and fun graphics, it looks like fun. But it's more than a game for students like 8th grader Jake Thurman.  The Autoskills Academy of Math and Reading program are helping him get better grades.  "I think it's pretty good," said Thurman. "It made me read pretty quick and math is getting a lot easier too."

Thurman started using the programs last fall. Already he said he's gone from C's and C-minuses to B's and B-pluses.  "When I was in class, I didn't really want to read at all," said Thurman. "But now I'm like, 'I can do it'."

About 130 Rockville students in grades two through twelve have used the program in special needs and remediation classes. In one class, 29 of 30 students saw significant improvement, with one student jumping four grade levels in a single semester.

"This is a great tool to help in that process of taking kids from where they may have deficiencies and allowing them to catch up," said Rockville Teacher Herb King.

The program cost Rockville Community schools $43,000 with an addition $8,700 for training. Stimulus money covers the bulk of the price.

The price tag is what initially gave Superintendent Kerkhoff doubts.  "I'm very please to say it's been successful," said Kerhoff. "I'm glad my worries have been put to rest."

Most importantly, students like Jake have been put to work with good results.  "It's pretty fun and so I like it," said Thurman.

School staff will hopefully like it once students take the ISTEP this spring.

The AutoSkill program is being used in 26 districts across Indiana. 17 districts, like Rockville, started using it this school year.