Fairbanks System of Instruction at Fairbanks

Abstract

The Fairbanks Country Day program is a K-12 private school designed to use a Personalized System of Instruction (PSI) along with computer technology for delivery of basic academic curriculum. In PSI, students study individually prescribed lessons using textbooks and supplementary materials, computer-generated exercises and mastery tests. They interact with their teachers primarily on a conference basis, receiving feedback and encouragement and additional instruction as needed. Whole group lectures are presented as a supplement to individualized instruction. Students, teachers, and parents receive daily data on student progress, and, if needed, students are provided with extra incentives and instruction to maintain progress congruent with their skill levels and expected level of performance. Teaching is adjusted as needed based on student performance. In the 1995 and 1996 evaluations, SAT scores for the total battery (reading, math, language, spelling) were from 1 to 4 yrs above grade level.