Children using UPSTART’s reading software scored higher in letter knowledge and phonological awareness than those using math software, even after accounting for prior skills and district differences. The study shows that computer‑based early literacy instruction can effectively strengthen foundational reading skills for rural preschoolers.
Study Focus: PreK
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.
Utah Upstart Year 6 Results
Students who used Waterford UPSTART’s home-based preschool model had significantly higher literacy scores than control peers who did not use the program. In its sixth year, enrollment grew, and participants outperformed a matched control group in decoding, phonological awareness, and letter knowledge.
Using Technology to Improve Reading and Math Scores for the Digital Native
This study tested whether adding Waterford’s adaptive instruction to Head Start improved early reading and math for low‑income pre‑K children. Participants made significantly larger gains than control students in vocabulary, phonological awareness, print knowledge, and math. Moderate to large effect sizes show adaptive technology can meaningfully strengthen early learning.
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 7 Results
UPSTART students who used the program as recommended had better reading outcomes than matched students who didn’t use the program. Cohort 7 families engaged steadily, and graduates averaged high program use. Overall results continue to show that consistent participation supports early literacy success.
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.
Utah High-Quality School Readiness Expansion Program Evaluation 2017-2018
Most preschoolers across three high-quality preschool implementation modes entered kindergarten with solid early literacy, but UPSTART children showed stronger reading skills than similar peers. Public and private programs showed no significant literacy or math advantages; social-emotional development was similar across groups.
Utah Upstart Year 15 Results
About 90% of UPSTART preschoolers reached proficiency by the end of PreK, and most who began “needing support” improved to kindergarten‑ready levels. Kindergarten follow‑up data showed former participants continued to demonstrate strong skills, indicating lasting benefits from early participation.
Utah Upstart Year 16 Results
UPSTART’s sixteenth year showed continued literacy impacts: PreK participants scored significantly higher than non‑participants, with the highest‑use students achieving the greatest outcomes. UPSTART participants demonstrated stronger kindergarten reading and math scores compared to their peers who did not participate in PreK. Findings show consistent participation is key to strong early‑literacy success.