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A new tool for diagnostic assessment and supplemental learning will be implemented at the Bear Creek Community Charter School with the start of the new school year.At their regular meeting for June, the school&#8217;s trustees received an update from administrators on the i-Ready program that the school will be using to administer diagnostic testing three times a year at all grade levels.The testing, which each child completes independently on an electronic tablet using headphones and a computer program, will provide an assessment of strengths and weaknesses in reading and math. Students will then have a designated class time each day to work on individualized supplemental exercises based on the results of their testing.Both parents and teachers will be able to see reports of student progress on a regular basis.The program does not replace classroom instruction but supplements it, the administrators explainedSchool administrators also discussed new electronic programs they are investigating to help administer the school-wide positive behavior program.The current program uses paper &#8220;Bear Bucks&#8221; that students earn for good behavior and then turn in for rewards, ranging from small school supplies and educational toys for the young children to fun educational experiences, such as hikes, for the older students.The electronic systems would replace the paper rewards and would also make it possible for both parents and children to see how many points students have and how they were earned them. Older children would be encouraged to save their points for larger rewards, and cumulative rewards could be given as well, the administrators said.In other business, the board accepted the resignation of two paraprofessionals and hired others.Resignations were accepted from Deborah Parrent and Kathleen DiMeglio. Maureen Holden, Christine Kane, and Jenine Finarelli were hired as part-time educational paraprofessionals at $12.50 per hour for 25 hours per week while school is in session.The board also approved the hiring of soccer coach Christina Solomon at a stipend of $1,000 for the season.<div class="metaInfo"><bylineMeta>By Janine UngvarskyFor Times Leader</bylineMeta></div><div class="metaInfo"><shirttailMeta>Reach the Times Leader newsroom at 570-829-7242 or on Twitter @TLnews.</shirttailMeta></div>

Bear Creek Charter to use new testing tool