Children who had high usage of Waterford’s computer‑assisted summer reading program before kindergarten scored higher in early literacy than low‑usage peers. This held across income, language, gender, and preschool experience. Consistent use of computer‑assisted instruction can help prevent summer learning loss for young children.
Study Focus: PreK
Preventing Summer Learning Loss: A Randomized Control Trial
Children in South Dakota and Wyoming who used Waterford’s computer‑assisted literacy program during the summer before kindergarten scored higher in overall literacy—especially blending and letter recognition—than peers using the math/science program. Benefits held for children experiencing poverty and for students of color, showing strong, equitable summer learning gains.
Randomized Control Trial: Early Learning CAI on Literacy Skills Across Demographics
PreK children across five states who used Waterford’s computer‑assisted literacy program scored significantly higher overall and in blending, letter sounds, and letter recognition subskills than peers using the math/science program. Benefits extended across demographic groups, including multilingual learners and children experiencing poverty, showing CAI’s potential to strengthen early literacy skills.
Utah Upstart Year 14 Results
More than 90% of UPSTART preschoolers reached proficiency by the end of Pre‑K, and many who began “needing support” met kindergarten‑ready benchmarks. Kindergarten follow‑up data showed former participants continued to perform strongly, demonstrating effective implementation and sustained early literacy and numeracy outcomes.
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.
Improving Early Literacy Skills Using Technology at Home
Preschoolers in rural Utah who were randomly assigned to use a computer‑adaptive reading program scored higher in overall literacy and across multiple reading skills than peers assigned to use a math/science program. Benefits held across all demographic groups, showing computer‑assisted instruction can strengthen early literacy and support kindergarten readiness.