DALLAS, Nov. 19, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The Morgridge International Reading Center (MIRC) at the University of Central Florida (UCF) today released its Florida Report detailing findings for its 2014-2015 statewide reading performance study.
As part of the research project, MIRC at UCF examined the effects of the Istation Reading and Istation Home programs on elementary school students' reading comprehension, text fluency, vocabulary, phonemic awareness and phonics performance. The report indicates that elementary students in "every research category: grade level, academic level, geographical location, and Title I status exhibited reading growth."
According to the report's summary of findings:
Participating students were first sorted into one of three tiers through an assessment in the Istation Reading program. Based on this initial assessment, 58 percent of students were classified as "At Risk" and needing "intensive intervention." These assessments generated by the Istation program may "help teachers make informed data-based decisions to support students' continuous learning," according to the Florida Report. The Istation Reading program adapts to meet students' needs as they engage with the program, resulting in individualized learning and assessment for every student. The program also generates useful data for teachers and parents. Additionally, the report notes that average scores for both Istation's Early Reading and Advanced Reading programs show "statistically significant" growth over the course of the school year.
In addition to supporting student learning, Istation supports teachers too. With over 20 face-to-face seminars and numerous online webinars provided by Istation to Florida educators, teachers "overwhelmingly indicated that they found the professional development sessions beneficial and of immediate use in their classrooms," according to the report.
In response to UCF's report, Sandra Thomas, President and COO of Istation, remarked, "This report confirms our core beliefs: Istation supports educators, empowers kids, and changes lives. We are so proud of the students and teachers of Florida and look forward to our continued relationship. Together, we're making a difference."
In the coming year, the MIRC at UCF research project will continue. Plans for future research include a longitudinal examination of the use of the Istation Reading program and of the establishment of best practices.
About Istation
Istation is an award-winning comprehensive e-learning program used by more than four million students across the world. Known for its accurate assessments, engaging curriculum and trusted teacher tools, Istation helps students in prekindergarten through 12th grade achieve academic growth. Istation's computer adaptive assessments (known as ISIP™) immediately place students on personalized instructional paths unique to their needs. An animated, game-like interface effectively engages students so that they don't even know they're being evaluated. Along with its highly interactive digital curriculum, Istation provides teachers with access to thousands of lessons perfect for instructing small groups or an entire class. Comprehensive progress reports are also immediately available for educators, administrators and parents. Istation offers its ISIP assessment in Early Reading, Advanced Reading, Reading en Espanol and Math. Istation instruction is available in Reading, Reading en Espanol and Math. Students can also use their Istation subscriptions at home. Since its founding in 1998, Dallas-based Istation has seen tremendous growth. The company's animated program is now helping students in 44 states and four countries learn and grow.
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