CNS provides materials, training, evaluation, online support, as described above. This program is designed to boost reading and writing skills for Spanish-speaking first or second graders who need extra assistance and practice to master literacy in English. This program is designed to provide reading and writing instruction in English and also basic computer skills in keyboarding and word processing. The children are often teaching their parents, which makes for a lively and highly interactive learning environment. The computer work is preceded by classwork with an ESL teacher, who provides instruction and practice with phoneme awareness, phonics, vocabulary, and practice keyboards.
Cost depends on whether materials are already available in the school lab.
This program is a very cost-effective way to provide individualized instruction in English literacy and job skills at the same time. It makes good use of computer labs, frequently idle in the evening, and stimulates family interaction and community involvement in the school. This program is designed for families to provide reading and writing enrichment at home, using the home computer. Sometimes older sibs are very helpful tutors and can also attend the coaching sessions. Children can proceed at their own pace using the computer.