The Instructional Applications Network, I. A. N., is a set of educational software programs used to help Trapper School students excel in the areas of math, reading, and writing.  Three of the programs currently located on the I. A. N. are Accelerated Math, Accelerated Reader, and PLATO Pathways.  Each of these programs is used differently to promote academic achievement in math, reading, and writing at Trapper School.  

Accelerated Reader, for example, is used after students read one of the many books in our library that has a corresponding quiz for it.  In the library, these books are labeled with the level and number of points that a student can earn if they successfully pass the test.  Many teachers use these points as a way for their students to earn rewards.  This program promotes reading comprehension, as students must recall details about the characters and setting. It is also a great tool for teachers to make sure their students are reading at their individual reading level, and the students are aware of the books which are suitable for their level.  Also, students and teachers instantly receive a score report that tells both their progress and achievement.    

Accelerated Math is primarily used to help students fill in the "holes" in their basic math skills.  In most standard classrooms, students have some basic math skills which they have not mastered.  However, these skills vary among students.  For example, one student may be struggling with adding fractions, while another student understands adding fractions but is struggling with multiplying decimals.  Accelerated Math allows teachers to print out worksheets that reflect individual weaknesses, and it allows students to work independently on these weaknesses.  This is a valuable tool because it not only helps teachers identify where a student needs some help, but it also is a way for students at different levels to work on varying skills.

The third program on the I. A. N. is called PLATO Pathways.  This program is a little different from Accelerated Reader and Accelerated Math because it is purely computer based.  Students do drills, tutorials, and explorations on the computer in order to learn basic math, reading, and writing skills.  However, the main element that it has in common with the other I. A. N. programs is that it allows the students to work at their own pace.  Teachers most often use PLATO as a tool to reinforce what is going on in the classroom.  Students enjoy it because it provides a different medium through which they can learn.  Since most students enjoy working on the computer, it is a great opportunity for teachers to capitalize on students' interest. 

Math, reading, and writing are three essential skills that students will use their whole lives.  Although they are taught at Trapper School at every level, there is always room for improvement.  Through the Instructional Applications Network, teachers are able to use the programs to evaluate, meet, and track student's progress toward success in these areas.