BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C.–Daniel Island Academy has been selected by the State of South Carolina First Steps Program to participate in a six-month, in-home school readiness pilot program.
Last month, preschool students began using UPSTART, a technology-delivered program that includes engaging educational activities in reading, math and science. UPSTART was developed and is implemented by the nonprofit curriculum research center, Waterford Institute.
While Waterford’s curriculum and software programs are currently used in thousands of schools and center-based preschools in 43 U.S. states, this pilot represents the first implementation of UPSTART on the East Coast. Three South Carolina pre-schools were selected and Daniel Island Academy is the only private school to participate.
“Parents often ask what they can do at home to complement what the students are learning at Daniel Island Academy in order to help their children be better prepared to begin school. We believe UPSTART is a great answer to that question because parents provide the motivation for the child to use the program regularly,” stated Kerry Nowosielski director, Daniel Island Academy.
Participants use UPSTART for 15 minutes per day, five days per week. The adaptive program teaches essential early literacy skills at the pace and level of each individual child to prepare children for kindergarten.
“Liam has enjoyed the activities and the boost this program has given him. His confidence in reading has increased. I have noticed his ability to read sight words and blend four or five letter words, even after two weeks with the program,” shared Lara Karam-Rodgers, mother of a pilot program participant and third grade public school teacher. “I would recommend the UPSTART reading program to any parent. My two-year old loves to watch and listen to the songs as well!”
“We could never have imagined how much the UPSTART program would ignite Sam’s thirst for learning at home. He is eager to get started every night and has even requested extra practice on the weekends,” stated Josh Henry, father of four-year-old Daniel Island Academy student, Sam.
The pilot will run through August, at which time the children’s learning outcomes will be assessed. Pilot outcomes will be evaluated through participant usage data as well as parent and center satisfaction. As a nonprofit, Waterford is uniquely focused on providing accessibility, equity and excellence for our youngest learners to position them for a lifetime of learning and success. To review past study results visit: http://le.utah.gov/interim/2013/pdf/00003110.pdf.
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