Minority and low‑income students who used Waterford Early Learning in PreK had higher end-of-kindergarten literacy scores than peers who did not use WEL. Results were statistically significant across almost all demographics analyzed. These findings highlight the lasting benefits of WEL for diverse learners, indicating that WEL may help reduce achievement gaps.
Study Focus: Longitudinal
Utah Upstart Year 10 Results
UPSTART continues to help preschoolers build strong early literacy skills that last into kindergarten and first grade. In 2018–19, 87% of children graduated, and those who met usage goals showed stronger outcomes. Maintaining consistent participation is especially important for supporting at‑risk families, who are more likely to miss usage requirements.
Long-Term Early Effects of CAI in Low Socioeconomic Status Students
Students who used WEL early and consistently had higher literacy scores than control peers at the end of second grade, up to one year after the program. These results were seen across nearly all demographic groups, with notably strong results for Latino/a students. Findings highlight lasting literacy impacts.
HQSR-E Program Evaluation 2018-2019
UPSTART children scored higher in key literacy skills than matched peers, and those benefits continued into kindergarten and first grade. When compared to students who attended public and private PreK, only UPSTART students had significantly positive literacy results at kindergarten entry. UPSTART’s individualized design drives its strong results.
Utah Preparing Students Today for a Rewarding Tomorrow (UPSTART) Report
UPSTART’s benefits last beyond preschool. First‑grade students who participated in UPSTART during PreK scored higher on DIBELS than peers, and results were even stronger for children who also participated in EISP during kindergarten. Results show small but meaningful sustained impacts, with the strongest outcomes when children received both individualized programs.
Impact of the UPSTART Program on Forestalling Summer Learning Loss
The UPSTART Summer program helped rural rising first graders avoid summer reading loss, especially in letter naming and phonics. Results suggest UPSTART is most effective for these foundational early reading skills and can help prepare young students for entry into first grade.
Effects of Long-Term and Early Use of CAI on Students’ Literacy Skills
Students who used the Waterford Early Learning program consistently scored higher in literacy than peers, with benefits maintained a year after program completion. Students who started earlier or used the program for multiple years demonstrated stronger results, suggesting that sustained CAI use supports long-term literacy development.
UPSTART Program Report of FY 2016
UPSTART helps preschoolers build strong early literacy skills, with lasting impacts for all students, including those in at-risk communities, through grades one through four. Results support the program’s effectiveness and its broader implementation for at‑risk preschoolers.
Utah Upstart Year 8 Results
UPSTART continues to help preschoolers build strong early literacy skills that carry into kindergarten and first grade. Cohort 8 saw higher graduation rates even with major enrollment growth, and students who met usage goals showed stronger outcomes. Consistent participation remains key to supporting the most at‑risk learners’ success.
Mississippi UPSTART and Head Start Evaluation
Mississippi preschoolers who used UPSTART reading or math maintained academic advantages through kindergarten: reading users scored higher in literacy, math users scored higher in math, and social‑emotional skills were similar. The program showed lasting benefits for children in high‑poverty communities.