Case studies
Curriculum Specialist at a California charter school alliance
We use Touch-type Read and Spell as a typing program for 2nd to 8th graders in the three charter schools that we work with. We also have high school students who request to use the program. Typing is a popular curriculum choice, and we like TTRS because it’s not only teaching typing, but also spelling. In our model, teachers typically offer suggestions, but parents make the final decisions about which programs to use. We have a varied student body and we see value in promoting TTRS to all of our learners.
Ed, Computer Science Teacher at a small private school
I use Touch-type Read and Spell in kindergarten through eighth grade alongside two other programs that teach coding and computer aided design (CAD). I like to rotate through the different applications to keep things fresh and interesting for the students. The homeroom teachers have provided very positive feedback about having students use TTRS to practice their spelling words. We really like the ability to add our own lists to the program. The students then practice typing the words and take an assessment.
Director of Curriculum at an independent-study charter school
Our independent-study online charter school supports students in grades TK-12. It’s important to us that we provide access to diverse educational models – and one of the enrichment options we have is Touch-type Read and Spell (TTRS). If a student is struggling with letters or sounds, their teacher will ask them to take TTRS for extra literacy support. With the way everything is moving technologically, typing is an important skill to have, as many of our students use typing for other coursework.
Linda, Deputy Principal in an all-girls school
I’ve found Touch-type Read and Spell is a great way of teaching typing skills while also addressing literacy difficulties. I am a Special Needs teacher in a primary school working with children who are 7-11 years old. The children enjoy monitoring and observing their own progress as they develop their typing skills. They love being awarded TTRS certificates for their progress and attainment!
Sally, Teacher in a special needs program
I run a special group on Wednesdays for children from local schools. While most of the students have learning differences, we have English as an Additional Language (EAL) learners and children with motor-skills difficulties too. Those who struggle with literacy skills benefit the most from TTRS. It gives them confidence and is a learning activity they look forward to. The children are always saying ‘When are we going to do our touch-typing?’
Helen, Inclusion Manager at a junior school
In our large junior school, we offer Touch-type Read and Spell as an invite-only club. Children are invited to participate if they are assessed with dyslexia or dyspraxia, or if their teacher recommends they are included. I have seen a great boost in self-esteem amongst our more reluctant writers, especially once they have built up enough speed and keyboard familiarity to start using a laptop in class for longer writing tasks.
Wendy, Teacher for students with disabilities
I’m a resource teacher for learners with physical and intellectual disabilities. Those students who are struggling the most with literacy, I put on the TTRS course. It helps them learn the letters of the alphabet and then moves them on to building letters into words, and words into sentences. TTRS has become a part of our education program and is included in the targets I set during regular meetings to update and monitor Individual Action Plans.
Lisa, Teacher in a small rural school
I was excited when we discovered Touch-type Read and Spell. We are a small, rural pre-K through 12th-grade school located on an island in Alaska. Many of our lessons have to be flexible for multi-age classes that can include first through high school age students. We do not have a tech lab specialist so it's great that TTRS is easy to deliver. I've tried the program myself, as I have never had any typing instruction, and found I even benefitted from the technique!
Roisin, Secondary School Teacher
We have been using Touch-type Read and Spell (TTRS) for nearly three years with all of our transition year students who are 15-16 years old. It has been wonderful to see the improvement in reading and spelling, typing skills, confidence, and motivation in students who are using TTRS. It is also great preparation for those who will complete their Junior and Leaving Certificate examinations through special centres using technology.