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Sprig Learning Apps are a Part of Apple’s Education Partner Program

Mar 28, 2024 | Early Literacy, News and Announcements

Sprig Learning, a leading developer of evidence-based early learning resources and assessments is happy to announce its inclusion in Apple’s prestigious Education Partner Program.

The Sprig team was recently invited to Apple Playground at the Reading for the Love of It 2024. It was an opportunity for all participants to explore the innovative possibilities of Apple technology in education.

The event buzzed with energy as educators from diverse backgrounds engaged with Apple’s cutting-edge technology, particularly iPad, exploring its potential to enhance learning experiences for K-6 students. It was thrilling to witness firsthand how teachers are leveraging iPad capabilities to craft dynamic content and design immersive learning journeys.

Jarrett Laughlin, CEO of Sprig Learning says, “As a part of the Education Partner Program, we are committed to empowering educators and communities worldwide. Together with Apple, we strive to level the playing field for every child, fostering success through engaging and evidence-based educational experiences.”

With schools globally harnessing Apple technology to revolutionize learning, Sprig Learning is honoured to contribute to this transformative journey. 

The partnership underscores a shared dedication to equipping educators with tools that drive student success and promote inclusive learning environments.

 

What is the Education Partner Program (K-12)?

What is the Education Partner Program (K-12)?

Apple’s dedication to education shines through its motto, “Inspiring Every Kind of Mind,” prominently featured on its dedicated education page. 

This ethos, shared jointly by Sprig Learning, emphasizes the belief that each individual possesses unique learning styles and creative expressions. 

By leveraging Apple technology and resources, educators and students of all backgrounds are empowered to explore, create, and chart their paths to success.

Apple’s Education Partner Program showcases apps compatible with Apple’s tablets, laptops, and smartphones. 

In the classroom, the journey towards a better world begins with versatile, user-friendly tools prioritizing privacy, accessibility, and sustainability. Apple’s products and resources are meticulously crafted to foster personalized, creative, and inspiring learning experiences.

 

Collections of Apps In Apple’s Education Partner Program

There are two collections of apps in Apple’s Education Partner Program, the K-12 collection and the Higher Education collection. 

The categories in its K-12 collection are Accessibility, Foundational Literacies, Educator Capacity and Assessment, Workflow, College and Career Readiness, Coding for Early Learners and Social and Emotional Learning.

 

Categories Featuring Sprig Apps

Categories Featuring Sprig Apps

Sprig Language and Sprig Math are featured in the Foundational Literacies category. 

Sprig Math is additionally featured in the Educator Capacity and Assessment category. 

This recognition highlights Sprig Learning’s dedication to enhancing foundational literacy skills in both language and math, while empowering educators with robust assessment capabilities.

 

The Intuitiveness of Using Sprig Apps on Apple Products

The Intuitiveness of Using Sprig Apps on Apple Products

The iPad is very versatile. Its lightweight design and long-lasting battery life ensure uninterrupted connectivity throughout the day, empowering teachers to instruct, assess, and collaborate wherever they go. 

Meanwhile, Mac’s intuitive interface simplifies navigation and empowers educators to manage their classrooms with confidence and ease. 

With robust security measures in place, both devices prioritize the protection of student data, ensuring a safe and secure learning experience at every turn. 

 

What This Means for Sprig Learning

Sprig LanguageSprig MathSprig Library

Sprig Learning celebrates its inclusion in Apple’s Education Partner K-12 program. As classrooms embrace technology like never before, the synergy between hardware and software empowers educators to enhance instruction and assessment for early literacy effectively. 

Sprig Reading is being developed as an iOS app for Fall 2024, joining Sprig Language, Sprig Math, and other apps that are a part of the app store. The aspiration is for all our apps to become part of the Education Partner Program.

This ensures visibility and accessibility for teachers seeking evidence-based early literacy solutions that seamlessly integrate with Apple devices, fostering efficient and secure learning environments for all students.

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Designing Toolkits for Revitalizing Indigenous Languages

Mar 21, 2024 | Equity in Education, News and Announcements

In the quest to revitalize Indigenous languages, educational toolkits can play a pivotal role, not only in educating but also in preserving and promoting linguistic diversity. 

Among these efforts, the “It’s Our Time: The AFN Educational Toolkit” stands out as a beacon of innovation and collaboration between the Assembly of First Nations (AFN) and Apple Canada. 

This toolkit not only enriches educational content but also contributes to the broader goal of language revitalization among First Nations communities.

 

The Origin of the Toolkit: Need for New Perspectives To Foster a Spirit of Understanding 

The Origin of the Toolkit- Need for New Perspectives To Foster a Spirit of Understanding

In response to the challenges faced by educators and students in accessing reliable resources on culture and history, the AFN and Apple Canada began working together on an ongoing project aimed at providing digital resources on First Nations history. 

Renee St. Germain, Director of Languages and Learning at the AFN, says “Teachers and students struggle for reliable resources around culture and history.” There is a need for new perspectives to be integrated into the educational system, which foster a spirit of understanding.

To this end, she is collaborating with Apple Canada on an ongoing project to offer digital resources on First Nations history. The outcome is an online and downloadable toolkit called “It’s Our Time: The AFN Education Toolkit,” offering hands-on educational materials on First Nations’ rights, culture, and history. 

 

The Purpose of AFN’s It’s Our Time Education Toolkit

The Purpose of AFN’s It’s Our Time Education Toolkit

This free toolkit includes interactive Apple Books designed to assist both Indigenous and non-Indigenous educators in integrating new perspectives into their classrooms, promoting cooperation, understanding, and action.

Available on Apple Books and web browsers, the toolkit features 22 learning modules. They have been “designed to enhance the understanding of important First Nations topics to ensure both students and teachers are learning in and out of the classroom.

 

Humbled To Play a Role in Supporting Language Revitalization

Humbled To Play a Role in Supporting Language Revitalization

Educators can now effectively incorporate First Nations content into their curricula, fostering increased dialogue surrounding this history.

Renee stresses the toolkit’s Indigenous leadership by saying :“Equity is at the forefront of everything the AFN does, and the toolkit is First Nations–led.”

She further emphasizes the significance of accurately representing First Nations students, noting their presence in nearly every classroom. 

As systemic change gains momentum across Canada, the toolkit is further advancing efforts to ensure educational equity for First Nations students and generations to come.

Sprig Learning is humbled to be a part of this important work, supporting the design of the Apple Books and modules. 

 

Ongoing Efforts in Supporting Language Revitalization

There is more work to be done in developing further resources and supporting language revitalization. Renee is continuing her work with public school boards across Canada to broaden the toolkit’s outreach. 

Recognizing the diversity among First Nations people, Apple Canada and the AFN are collaborating with First Nations education leaders to create language and region-specific modules of the toolkit. 

The idea is that these specific modules will authentically reflect the diverse traditions, languages, and cultures within each respective region.

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How to Improve Formative Assessments for Early Literacy?

Feb 29, 2024 | Early Literacy, Formative Assessment

So much has already been said and written about the practice of formative assessments. 

Let’s get reacquainted with its definition,characteristics, function in early literacy, and value, before exploring what can be done to improve them.

 

Definition, Function and Value

Definition, Function and Value

Formative assessments have been best defined in prior Sprig articles as assessments that monitor early learning to provide ongoing feedback.  Early literacy educators use them to adapt instruction and ensure that every child has the opportunity to succeed. 

Its regular frequency sets it apart from other more standardized forms of assessments. In “Holistic Formative Assessments. The New Wave”, it was stated that formative assessments happen regularly in classrooms where a student’s progress is evaluated on a daily or weekly basis.

In “What You Should Know about Assessments in Early Childhood Education”, the regularity of formative assessments is further established as they deal with the day-to-day learning process as it unfolds. They are ongoing in nature and are integrated into the daily teaching practices. 

Examples cited include homework assignments, in-class activities and group work. In the same article, it is mentioned how formal formative assessments use well-defined grade rubrics, while informal assessments use methods such as observations, notes, etc. 

The function of formative assessments in early literacy is clearly stated in “Why Small Group Instruction is Needed For Assessments in Early Literacy”. These assessments help educators diagnose specific foundational skills and monitor the progress of each early learner in the classroom. They offer valuable insights into a child’s learning skills, abilities and challenges.

In “Traditional Early Years Assessments vs Holistic Assessments”, the value of formative assessments is highlighted. For example, how educators who consistently use formative assessment strategies double the speed of learning for their students.

Exploring the science and art of formative assessments is a vast and intriguing subject. It’s highly recommended to check out the referenced articles to gain a deeper understanding of formative assessments.

To answer the question, how formative assessments can be improved in the classroom, two approaches may be taken. 1) Understanding its Core Essence. 2) Understanding its Core Types.

 

 1) Core Essence of Formative Assessments

By tapping into what formative assessments actually are, it’s possible to further improve existing formative assessment practices in early literacy. It’s important to differentiate formative assessments from summative assessments and universal screeners.

 

How Are Formative Assessments Different from Summative Assessments and Universal Screeners?

How Are Formative Assessments Different from Summative Assessments and Universal Screeners

Summative assessments refer to standardized tests, which are also known as outcome evaluators. These assessments usually occur at the end of the year and are fixed.

Summative assessments are “of learning”, while formative assessments are “for learning”. 

Besides formative assessments, there is another category of assessments that is “for learning”, which is universal screeners. 

While universal screeners share similar characteristics with summative assessments in that they are also fixed in when they happen, these assessments are for measuring students’ proficiency in specific skills.  It is predominantly used to identify students that may be at risk for learning difficulties. In many ways, they are closer to formative assessments.

But formative assessments are still unique, because unlike universal screeners which are scheduled ahead of time, and happen a fixed number of times a year, formative assessments are ongoing and continuous, and can be expected to take place regularly throughout the school year.

Thus, consistency in regularity is key to improving formative assessments. Establishing this regularity is essential for achieving best-in-class formative assessment practices. 

When assessments are conducted infrequently, distinguishing them from universal screeners becomes challenging. Therefore, maintaining a consistent schedule of formative assessments is essential for their improvement.

Furthermore, in order to improve, formative assessments must find ways to better incorporate a differentiated instruction mechanism.  Without this feature, assessments risk being overly generalized, resembling summative assessments too closely. 

To maintain their formative nature, assessments should account for the diverse learning needs of students, integrating differentiated instruction seamlessly into the assessment process.

 

2) Core Types of Formative Assessments

By understanding the different types of formative assessments, it’s possible to provide specific improvements that considers the total scope of such an assessment practice. In order to do this, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of what formative assessments actually entail.

 

What Are The Types of Formative Assessments and Their Differences?

What Are The Types of Formative Assessments and Their Differences

There are two major kinds of formative assessments, diagnostic assessments and progress monitoring assessments. They are both “assessments for learning”. Progress monitoring assessments in particular have the special distinction of being both “for learning” and “as learning”.

This is because in progress monitoring assessments, not only are teachers learning about  the students’ learning strengths and needs, but the assessment practice itself is designed to track students’ learning progress or growth across the entire school year, reflecting what skills require further assessment, practice, and/or intervention to support learning.  

Thus, in order to improve formative assessment in early literacy, it is very important to ensure that there is adequate teacher-student dialogue. The assessment is “for learning”, but there is also a scope for the assessment to be “as learning”. Such is the beauty of formative assessments.

 

Embracing the Essence and Diversity of Formative Assessments

Embracing the Essence and Diversity of Formative Assessments

Concluding this exploration into the realm of formative assessments in early literacy, it’s evident that these assessments play a pivotal role in shaping instructional practices and nurturing student learning journeys. 

From understanding their core essence to delineating their various types, this article has explored the nuanced landscape of formative assessments to offer suggestions on how to identify improvements  in the classroom for early literacy. 

Do you require assistance on how to be more intentional and regular with your formative assessment practice, connect it to differentiated instruction, and use it for “as learning”, alongside “for learning”?

Visit Sprig Reading.
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Supporting Struggling Readers in Kindergarten: Transforming Existing Practices Into Evidence-based Practices

Jan 26, 2024 | Differentiated Instruction, Early Literacy, Formative Assessment

Kindergarten marks a critical juncture in a child’s academic journey, where the foundation for literacy skills is established. But often, it’s a phase that is marked with many challenges.

Recognizing these challenges is crucial, given the various factors influencing the struggles some kindergarteners experience in developing early literacy skills.

From diverse developmental timelines to limited exposure to print and vocabulary gaps, each challenge demands attention. This is especially true at a time when there are curriculum/standard mandates for kindergarten being introduced at various jurisdictions.

Educators in kindergarten need help to transform their teaching practices.

In this blog, we delve into the specific challenges kindergarteners may encounter, shedding light on how evidence-based practices can transform traditional teaching methods to provide enhanced literacy support for struggling readers.

 

Understanding the Challenges: Why Kindergarteners Struggle with Reading

Understanding the Challenges- Why Kindergarteners Struggle with Reading

Kindergarten is a crucial phase in a child’s academic journey, and while many thrive, many also encounter challenges on the path to reading proficiency. 

Several factors contribute to the struggles kindergarteners may face in developing early literacy skills.

 

Diverse Access and Opportunity for Learning:

Kindergarteners enter school with varying levels of pre-literacy skills. 

Factors such as access and exposure to books, language-rich environments, and individual cognitive development can influence a child’s readiness for reading.

 

Phonological Awareness Development:

The acquisition of phonological awareness, the ability to recognize and manipulate sounds in spoken language, is a cornerstone of early literacy. 

Some kindergarteners may struggle with distinguishing individual sounds, which can impede their ability to decode words.

 

Limited Exposure to Print:

Children who have limited exposure to books, vocabulary-rich conversations, and print materials at home may face challenges when introduced to reading in a formal educational setting. 

Lack of prior exposure can impact their understanding of print concepts.

 

Vocabulary Gaps:

Kindergarteners with limited vocabulary may find it challenging to comprehend and engage with written text. 

Vocabulary gaps can hinder their ability to make connections between spoken and written words.

 

Attention and Focus:

The transition to a structured learning environment in kindergarten introduces new expectations for attention and focus. 

Some children may struggle to maintain concentration during literacy activities, affecting their engagement with reading materials.

 

Social and Emotional Factors:

Social and emotional development plays a crucial role in a child’s ability to learn. 

Kindergarteners who face challenges in these areas, such as anxiety or difficulty with peer interactions, may find it challenging to fully engage in literacy tasks.

 

Variability in Home Literacy Practices:

Disparities in home literacy practices can impact a child’s preparedness for reading. 

Kindergarteners exposed to consistent reading experiences at home may exhibit greater confidence and proficiency compared to those with limited exposure.

 

Help is Available: Transform Existing Practices Into Evidence-based Practices

Help is Available- Transform Existing Practices Into Evidence-based Practices

As kindergarten is such a crucial period for laying the groundwork for a child’s literacy journey, it is very important to put our best foot forward.

While early reading struggles are a reality, addressing early reading challenges becomes simpler with innovative additions. 

While existing teaching practices are in place, the incorporation of evidence-based strategies can significantly enhance early literacy support for struggling readers.

In the following passages, let’s explore the transformation of widely used kindergarten teaching practices into evidence-based approaches that bolster literacy skills.

 

1. Storytime and Read-Aloud Sessions:

Traditional Practice:

Storytime is a common practice, fostering a love for books and language. It aims to instill a love for books and language among young learners.

Transformation:

Elevate storytime by incorporating interactive elements. Pause to discuss story elements, engage in predictive questioning, and emphasize phonological awareness during shared reading. 

This transformation ensures that the storytelling experience not only captivates but also fosters essential and foundational early literacy skills.

 

2. Letter Recognition Activities:

Traditional Practice:

Letter recognition games and activities are commonplace to introduce the alphabet.

Transformation:

Revamp letter recognition by incorporating multisensory approaches. Introduce activities like tracing letters in sand or using textured materials to reinforce letter-sound connections. 

This transformation adds a tactile dimension, making the learning process more engaging and reinforcing the foundational link between letters and their sounds.

 

3. Sight Word Instruction:

Traditional Practice:

Memorization of sight words is a standard practice for building early reading vocabulary.

Transformation:

Approach sight word instruction more like learning high-frequency words (and not those we need to learn by sight) and incorporate into your phonics lessons.  Students can use their phoneme knowledge to map the regular part of the words, then only have to learn the sounds that are irregular in the word.   

This transformation complements structured literacy approaches and makesinstruction, the learning more meaningful for young readers.

 

4. Phonemic Awareness Games:

Traditional Practice:

Phonemic awareness games focus on auditory skills through rhyming and sound recognition.

Transformation:

Transform phonemic awareness games by incorporating a broader range of activities. Introduce sound blending and segmenting exercises to enhance foundational skills crucial for early reading. 

This transformation expands the scope of auditory skill development, providing a more comprehensive approach to phonemic awareness.

 

5. Interactive Learning Centres:

Traditional Practice:

Learning centres offer a diverse range of activities to reinforce various skills. These activities, while diverse, may lack a specific and structured approach to literacy development.

Transformation:

Reimagine interactive learning centers by aligning activities with structured literacy approaches. Ensure a focus on phonics, decoding, and comprehension skills within these centers, while supporting play-based and joyful learning activities

This transformation brings a targeted and intentional approach to the learning centers, maximizing their impact on essential early reading skills.

 

Traditional to Transformational: Supporting Struggling Readers in Kindergarten

Traditional to Transformational- Supporting Struggling Readers in Kindergarten

By transforming existing kindergarten teaching practices into evidence-based approaches, educators can provide more targeted and impactful support for struggling readers. 

These evidence-based strategies create a solid foundation, fostering a love for literacy and ensuring that every child receives the necessary lessons and practice sessions for early reading success.

Transforming existing teaching, assessment, and differentiated learning practices is no small task. 

Streamlining this process is made easier with interactive, evidence-based activities aligned with the latest research on early reading success.  

Sprig Reading contains all of these strategies and learning activities for each foundational reading skill set, with an assessment methodology to monitor progress weekly. Try it today for free!

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3 More Common Situations in Early Literacy Leadership and How to Respond

Jan 19, 2024 | Differentiated Instruction, Early Literacy, Formative Assessment, Holistic Learning

In a recent article, Sprig brings attention to crucial aspects of early literacy leadership with “11 Common Situations in Early Literacy and How to Respond”. 

It’s a must-read, if you haven’t done so already. Going beyond case studies and researched best practices, Sprig revisits previous blogs, extracting valuable insights that can pose challenging situations to early literacy leaders and presents their corresponding responses. 

As discussed, those initial 11 scenarios were not exhaustive by any means, and so Sprig expands the discourse in this article by introducing three additional common situations faced by early literacy leadership. 

Each situation is followed by an appropriate response. 

This approach taps into the wealth of experiences encountered by early literacy leaders, providing actionable learnings.

 

Situation 1. Needing Interventions Becoming the Norm.

Situation 1. Needing Interventions Becoming the Norm.

Amid the aftermath of the pandemic, numerous students grapple with significant setbacks, extending beyond their initial challenges. A concerning trend emerges—a flipped three-tier pyramid, wherein more students now require special assistance than those who do not. 

In classrooms facing this scenario, it becomes crucial to implement targeted actions that address the increased demand for support without overwhelming resources typically designated for tier 3 students. Balancing intervention strategies becomes paramount to ensure equitable and effective assistance for all students navigating the complexities of post-pandemic learning.

 

How to Respond:

The optimal approach involves integrating these interventions seamlessly into tier 1 and tier 2 instruction, as much as possible, both in core classroom teaching and small-group differentiated instruction. 

The issue at hand underscores the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of intervention strategies embedded within regular classroom practices, as opposed to relying on intensive programs that cater to too few students and often come into play when it may be too late for effective assistance.

Situations 1 taken from:

The Science of Teaching Reading: Effective Reading Assessment, Explicit Reading Instruction and Targeted Reading Intervention.

Read

 

Situation 2. Lack of Access to Early Childhood Education Centers and Programs.

Situation 2. Lack of Access to Early Childhood Education Centers and Programs.

The scarcity of accessible early childhood education centers and programs poses a significant challenge for school leadership dedicated to fostering high-quality early learning. Recognizing the pivotal connection between preschool attendance and kindergarten readiness, institutions face the ongoing challenge of addressing this gap through independent initiatives or collaborative partnerships.

 

How to Respond:

When faced with a lack of access to early education centers and programs, there are several strategies that early literacy leaders can consider:

 Community Collaboration: Encourage collaboration between educational institutions and community organizations to establish state-of-the-art childcare centers, similar to the initiative taken by Reading Area Community College in Pennsylvania. These centers not only provide early childhood education but also serve as valuable training grounds for educators.

Nonprofit Initiatives: Nonprofit organizations, such as the Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning, can play a pivotal role by launching early learning centers focused on providing free high-quality education to children from low-income families. This model demonstrates the potential for philanthropic efforts to address educational gaps.

Transitional Kindergarten (TK) Expansion: Following the example of Oakland Unified School District, districts can anticipate enrollment increases and take proactive measures by expanding transitional kindergarten facilities. By adopting a TK curriculum and making it universal, as planned in California, districts can accommodate more students.

Repurposing Educational Facilities: In instances where new elementary schools are built or existing ones are renovated, like the case of Fordham Early Learning Academy in Ocala, Florida, consider dedicating space for early learning programs. This proactive approach supports early literacy goals and provides a solid foundation for young learners.

Situation 2 taken from:

5 Emerging Themes in Improving Early Literacy

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Situation 3: Pressure of Mandatory Curricular Reforms

Situation 3- Pressure of Mandatory Curricular Reforms

Schools often encounter pressure or mandates to undergo curricular reforms, demanding thoughtful strategies for seamless implementation. This involves prioritizing professional development, integrating lessons seamlessly, ensuring accurate assessments, and adeptly adapting to new curricular frameworks. 

Delving into the measures adopted by schools and districts, this section explores the challenges inherent in curriculum updates and the strategies employed to meet these demands effectively.

 

How to Respond:

 Effectively navigating the challenges of curriculum reforms demands a multifaceted strategy, as illustrated by successful initiatives in various schools and districts:

Professional Development Focus: Wolf Creek Public Schools in Ponoka allocates three full days of professional development for elementary teachers, ensuring thorough preparation for the impending curriculum changes.

Curriculum Consultants Support: Edmonton Catholic Schools increase the number of curriculum consultants, providing crucial assistance to teachers and emphasizing the value of additional support structures.

Teacher Collaboration Emphasis: Black Gold School Division in Leduc underscores the significance of teacher collaboration as a preparation strategy, recognizing the power of collective efforts in adapting to curriculum changes.

Strategic Investment in Education: The Ministry of Education in Ontario invests $109 million, introducing new screening requirements, standardized tools, additional specialist teachers, and a language curriculum overhaul to enhance young students’ reading skills.

Phonics-Centric Approach: Fort Worth Independent School District shifts its focus to a curriculum emphasizing phonics, supplementing it with professional development to address potential issues stemming from a lack of exposure to grade-level texts.

Situation 3 taken from:

5 More Emerging Themes for Success in Early Literacy

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What About Hidden Challenges?

What About Hidden Challenges?

In the dynamic landscape of early literacy leadership, schools may encounter unforeseen challenges that could impact student performance and hinder the realization of their full early literacy potential. 

Identifying and addressing these latent issues is crucial for fostering a robust learning environment. Conducting a thorough audit of current practices in core instruction, assessment, and differentiated instruction becomes imperative to unveil hidden obstacles. 

For actionable steps on uncovering and surmounting these challenges, Sprig’s blogs offer valuable insights. A particularly relevant resource is the article titled “Navigating Back-to-School Challenges: Improving Reading Strategies for School Leaders,” where detailed strategies empower leaders to enhance their reading programs and proactively address potential hurdles. 

By staying informed and proactive, schools can fortify their early literacy initiatives and overcome all challenging situations.

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