Cultural Responsiveness in Building Educational Technology for Adolescent Students

• In Event: AERA Virtual Poster Session 3
  In Poster Session: Instructional Technology SIG Poster Session 2

Abstract

In the United States today, our education system has had limited success turning out students who show proficient reading skills. This is particularly true for students from historically marginalized communities. For instance, the proficiency rate for Black students in eighth grade is approximately 15%. There is an urgent need for educators to employ more effective forms of literacy instruction. This paper describes the process used by content specialists to design and continually update an educational technology program, so it meets guidelines for cultural inclusivity. The program’s features are meant to engender engagement and motivation across a wide swath of students. Preliminary findings are shared regarding the program’s contents and the impact it has had on students from diverse backgrounds.

Authors

• Kaylan Moore, Lexia Learning Systems

• Julie Harris, Lexia Learning Systems

• Alexis Treat

• Paul Macaruso, Community College of Rhode Island