Image source: http://thedothandanceclub.com/tango.jpg

In the ongoing discussion regarding what assessment tool to use for TPRI/CIRCLE, what different vendors are doing now that the Palm Handheld is obsolete and increasingly unavailable for purchase (except from resellers…which begs the question, why would a school district want to spend precious funding on obsolete technology?), I have started to investigate different possibilities.

One of the alternative to handheld device based assessment known as CIRCLE is TANGO Software’s product. I recently inquired of them and received the following information, as well as some additional info regarding TPRI:

Hope life is treating you well and you are having a good week! Amy forwarded your information to me, so I thought I would see if I could answer your questions.

Our CIRCLE (C-PALLS+) product is web-based. Teachers use the computer system for the administration of this assessment including the infamous “flip-book”, which is on the computer and the student is able to view the pictures and letters on the computer screen and doesn’t rely on the teacher to flip the pages of the book – a big plus!! It’s compatible with desktop/laptop/netbook computers, as long as it’s got a web browser.

Regarding TPRI, the TPRI/Tejas LEE authors at CARS & TIMES have only sanctioned the electronic administration of those assessments on a handheld computer. Since this coming school year is the last one for the 2006-2010 TPRI/Tejas LEE kits, it’s possible that they will start looking at other options for that new version/revision of the assessments, but for now, the handheld is the only electronic administration option.

We are currently adding the Apple iPod Touch to our device platforms for TPRI and Tejas LEE for the fall. We will support a “mixed” environment of both Palm and iTouch for districts that have Palms and start to replace them with the iTouch. It’s an exciting device that lets schools take advantage of their technology infrastructure.

Hope that helps – if you have any questions or need any clarification, please let me know.

Take care!

Susan Skaggs
Liberty Source/Tango Software
512-433-2119 Office Direct
512-422-6622 Mobile
512-433-2100 Office Main
512-416-8200 Office Fax

What has been your experience with Tango’s CIRCLE product?

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