Improving English Learner Language Proficiency Through a Multimodal Language Software Platform

• In Event: AERA Poster Session 2
  In Poster Session: Intersections Among Technology, Instruction, Cognition, Learning, and More

Abstract

Poor English skills are correlated with low academic outcomes, putting English Language Learners (ELs) at higher risk than native English speakers for academic failure. STORYWORLD is a digital learning platform that enables ELs to practice and improve their skills in reading, listening, speaking, and writing. The platform includes a Formative Evaluation Dashboard that provides teachers with actionable data to assess language proficiency. The present work outlines an approach for evaluating the efficacy of STORYWORLD in an authentic setting. The approach is guided by the product’s logic model, which itself is based in the scientific literature on reading development. The manuscript presents preliminary evidence that STORYWORLD can be used effectively for classroom learning and concludes with steps for future work.

Authors

• Rachel Grimes Tripathy, WestEd

• Cynthia H. Barbera, STORYWORLD

• Kimkinyona Cully, WestEd

• Jessica Triant, WestEd

• Bryan Matlen, WestEd