Guidance, Determination, and Membean Result in Major Gains for New Manchester High

When Tahira Chandler signed on as the AVID teacher, she was excited to help students navigate New Manchester High School and find their paths beyond. Experienced teaching math, Chandler was ready to boost students' standardized math scores. However, she felt less confident about helping students become savvy language-test takers, strong academic readers, and polished presenters. Fortunately, “an instructional powerhouse” of a colleague introduced Tahira to Membean. “When I learned what Membean does, I knew this would be great for the SAT, the ACT… I was 100% for it. And what I love even more is that I didn't have to know much to use it!”

As in any class, Tahira's students enter the room with different skills. “In AVID, I have students who may be really strong in math but not in writing, and some that are vice versa. I can't give one test—my goodness—the differentiation! This person is ready to write a book, while this one struggles to write a basic essay.”

“When I heard that Membean automatically determined our students' needs without our interference, I said ‘Get them on there!’ I'm always sold on something that gives students an individual experience.”

Asked if she could see a difference in student performance since implementing Membean, Tahira said, “Oh, absolutely!” without hesitation. “My students surprise me during presentations. I'm floored… they are developing a broader, more sophisticated vocabulary. They're even teaching their old math teacher some words.” But Tahira sees this as more than just a confidence boost.

“Students aren't always prepared for college. Those with little vocabulary knowledge can be shocked; that first year determines who will be able to finish and who can't. Using Membean, my students gain exposure to these words without scrutiny. They just have to practice each week. Then—when they enter a psychology or philosophy class—they're able to read with ease.”

Better yet, Tahira can substantiate her impression of Membean's value with concrete, “crazy numbers!” Last year's class of 40 AVID students “received 3.8 million dollars in college scholarships.” But Tahira noted that as she's gained experience with Membean, she has begun using it more efficiently and makes sure to pass these gains along.

“Membean is an important part of how we prepare our students. This year, our 39 graduating students have gotten over nine million dollars in scholarships!”

Tahira says all of New Manchester High's “Membean teachers” love it for the same reasons she does. “This is an individualized space, but we don't have to worry about making sure that everyone gets what they need. Because of the way this program works, we know that they are.” In fact, Tahira promotes Membean in conversations with other teachers because she believes it can improve student performance in all subjects. “We've seen literacy levels drop. This is a super-easy way to address some of those needs without putting all the pressure on English teachers.” Membean has exceeded New Manchester's hope by easily identifying what students need, while at the same time removing some of a teacher's burden to make sure that they get it.”