Share Paper: Investing in Innovation: A Technology-Based Solution to Improving Early Literacy Skills

  1. Haya Shamir, Waterford Research Institute, United States
  2. Claudia Miner, Waterford Research Institute, United States
  3. Ann Izzo, Waterford Research Institute, United States
  4. Kathryn Feehan, Waterford Research Institute, United States
  5. Erik Yoder, Waterford Research Institute, United States
Tuesday, June 28 10:00-10:30 AM Junior Ballroom D

Abstract: UPSTART is an adaptive program that provides pre-kindergarten children with an individualized reading, math, and science curriculum that is tailored to each individual rate of growth coupled with parents training and support. Pre-kindergarten students were randomly assigned to use the Early Reading program or the Early Math and Science program at home in 18 rural school districts in Utah. The Waterford Assessment of Core Skills (WACS) was administered at the beginning and end of the program to assess students’ early literacy. At the conclusion of the program year, analysis revealed a significant difference between groups due to higher gains for ...