Compass Learning Odyssey: An In-Depth Overview
Compass Learning Odyssey is a web-based K-8 educational program that offers curriculum and assessment tools for mathematics, reading, science, and social studies. Designed to facilitate instructional differentiation and data-driven decision-making, it aims to cater to the diverse learning needs of students. This article provides a comprehensive overview of Compass Learning Odyssey, drawing upon user experiences, program features, and its role as a supplemental educational resource.
What is Compass Learning Odyssey?
Compass Learning Odyssey is a suite of learning solutions that includes lessons and activities based on research about how students learn. The online program offers electronic curriculum and materials for individual or small group work. It also provides assessments aligned with state curriculum standards, and a data management system that allows teachers to develop individualized instructional and assessment tools, as well as track individual and classroom student performance.
User Experiences and Perspectives
Several users have shared their experiences with Compass Learning Odyssey, offering insights into its strengths and weaknesses. Some users find it beneficial as a supplemental tool, while others view it as inadequate for comprehensive homeschooling.
One user shared that their school uses Compass Learning Odyssey, providing free access for students at home. While they appreciate the availability, they wouldn't personally invest money in the program. The user mentioned that it incorporates a few games to make learning more engaging for kids, which aligns with the program's intention of making learning fun.
Another user found Compass Learning Odyssey (accessed through Time4Learning) to be a useful supplement.
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One parent successfully used Time4Learning (T4L), which incorporates Compass Learning, to regain some peace when their child was constantly asking questions.
Compass Learning Odyssey vs. Time4Learning
The relationship between Compass Learning Odyssey and Time4Learning (T4L) is a point of discussion among users. Some believe they are essentially the same program, with Time4Learning contracting as a school to provide access to the same materials.
Time4Learning allows for adjustments to be made to any grade level (K-8) as needed. This flexibility enables parents to tailor the program to their child's specific learning level, making it suitable for students who may be working above or below their grade level.
While Time4Learning might not be specifically designed for gifted children, its adaptability allows parents to adjust the grade level to match their child's abilities. Users have noted that Time4Learning provides readily available customer support, with representatives promptly making adjustments to the program as requested.
Strengths of Compass Learning Odyssey
- Flexibility: The ability to adjust the program to different grade levels is a significant advantage.
- Accessibility: Free access through some schools makes it a readily available resource for students.
- Supplemental Use: Many users find it valuable as a supplementary tool to reinforce learning.
- Engagement: The inclusion of games aims to make learning more enjoyable for children.
- Data-Driven Decision Making: The data management system allows teachers to track student performance and tailor instruction accordingly.
Weaknesses of Compass Learning Odyssey
- Depth of Material: Some users feel that the program does not delve deeply enough into the subject matter.
- Lack of Drills: There may not be enough repetitive exercises, particularly in math, to ensure mastery of concepts.
- Not Ideal for Homeschooling: Some users do not recommend it as a primary homeschooling curriculum due to its perceived lack of depth.
- Cost: While some schools offer it for free, the cost for individual use may be a deterrent for some families.
Evidence-Based Evaluation
The Institute of Education Sciences (IES) at ies.ed.gov provides evidence-based evaluations of learning intervention programs through the What Works Clearinghouse. This resource identifies programs that have demonstrated effectiveness, as well as those that have not. According to the site, “Odyssey Math, published by CompassLearning®, is a web-based K-8 mathematics curriculum and assessment tool designed to allow for instructional differentiation and data-driven decision making. The online program includes electronic curriculum and materials for individual or small group work, assessments aligned with state curriculum standards, and a data management system that allows teachers to develop individualized instructional and assessment tools, as well as track individual and classroom student performance. "
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The What Works Clearinghouse offers statistics on various interventions, including the improvement index, effectiveness rating, and extent of evidence. This information can help educators and parents make informed decisions about the use of Compass Learning Odyssey.
Pricing Options
Compass Learning Odyssey offers different purchasing options, including:
- The Unlimited User Option: Provides licenses for all students and teachers in the selected content areas (e.g., Math and English Language Arts). The cost is $3000 per grade, per content area. This option is more expensive initially but eliminates the need to pay for the software again, requiring only annual support purchases.
- The Multi User Option: Provides licenses for all students and teachers of all Odyssey content (K-12). Pricing is based on the number of concurrent users allowed in the system at any given time. This option requires annual payments.
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