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The U.S. Department of Education commissioned AIR to conduct a national study to evaluate how adult education operates at the state and local levels, including who adult education providers are, the services they provide, and the challenges they face. Stephanie Cronen answered some questions about adult education and what the study aims to accomplish.

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After talking with more teachers in my district, I have decided to do the Phonics  Dance as my research project.  I will leave the technology  information on this site in case someone might  find any helpful articles for your research.

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After talking with more teachers in my district, I have decided to do the Phonics  Dance as my research project.  I will leave the technology  information on this site in case someone might  find any helpful articles for your research.

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for Researchers | Florida Center for Reading Research

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These articles have been grouped roughly by category. Some of them, of course, address more than one of the categories, and these articles have been placed in more than one section. Others are simply placed in the category that is consistent with their primary focus, although they may have content related to other areas as well.

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After going through Module 1, I am trying to decide between doing research in the area of different I-pad apps in my Reading Intervention Groups that might improve benchmarking scores OR will integrating the Phonics Dance (a research-based program that uses a rap-type beat to teach letter sounds, etc.) used in conjunction with K-PALS increase benchmarking scores. My concern with the I-pad route is after finding some suitable apps would I be able to get district to purchase so that I could use with students for the research. It is a long process. Since I only see one to three students at a time, I could purchase on my personal I-pad and allow students to use (although only one student at a time could use). My intrigue with The Phonics Dance is that one school I teach in already uses this technology while the other school does not. The students who have been using it in the classroom seem to be further along in letter recognition/sounds than my other students. I would be fascinated to know if by incorporating it with my other curriculum at the second school, if scores would improve. Then, possibly compare the two schools. Any suggestions or thoughts?

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Are there any Ipad apps that kdg. students could use that would potentially increase benchmarking scores in the area of LSF, PSF, and NWF for Aimsweb benchmarkings and/or MAP benchmarking

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Are there any Ipad apps that kdg. students could use that would potentially increase benchmarking scores in the area of LSF, PSF, and NWF for Aimsweb benchmarkings and/or MAP benchmarking

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Earlychildhood NEWS - Article Reading Center

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Earlychildhood NEWS is the online resource for teachers and parents of young children, infants to age 8. You will find articles about developmentally appropriate practice, child health, safety and behavior as well as links to teacher resources and networking opportunities.

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Technology has a prominent place in schools and kindergarten classrooms are no exception. While technology doesn't take the place of vital, developmental play and hands-on learning, it adds to them, reinforcing traditional methods of teaching. When technology in a kindergarten class is designed to encourage young children, allow for creativity and connect to the curriculum, it benefits both the teacher and the students.

Increases Motivation

Kindergarten students have notoriously short attention spans, but their interest is sparked by technology. When a teacher involves her students in a smart board program to extend their understanding of letter sounds, for example, she gives them the opportunity to interact physically, using keyboards and touch screens. A colorful animated screen captures their attention visually, keeping children interested for longer periods of time. Choosing their own programs for skill practice makes kindergartners feel empowered and encourages them to work independently.

Reinforces Skills

Kindergarten students are learning to practice letter, number and reading skills through interactive computer games as well as more traditional applications, according to Jill Buban, academic program manager for teaching and learning at Post University in Waterbury, Connecticut. Some teachers have replaced math workbooks with electronic tablet programs that give children immediate feedback and free the teacher to reach those children who need one-on-one help.

Differentiates Instruction

Students are at various levels of understanding in core subject areas and it's not always an easy task for kindergarten teachers to consistently assess each child's strengths and weaknesses. Many kindergarten classrooms have access to computer labs, so students can work at their own pace, receiving remediation when needed or moving ahead for a challenge. These types of programs align with the common core standards, yet don't require all students to be on the same page at the same time.

Provides Electronic Portfolios

Early childhood education consists of lots of hands-on projects. Teachers can document their students' progress by taking pictures with a digital camera. These photos serve as illustrations of the children's accomplishments and assessments of their growth. Explanations students give at a smart board can also be kept in a digital portfolio. The portfolios can be shared with families at conferences and given to the next year's teacher as a point of reference.

Encourages Collaboration

Collaborative learning and social interaction prepare children for the future. When a group of kindergarten students listens to a recorded book or works together at the smart board to match letters and sounds, they are learning the valuable skill of working together. When four or five students gather around a smart table, they can join forces in activities such as dragging word names to their matching numbers. Two students sitting together at a computer to determine living and nonliving things on a science program learn to cooperate.

About the Author

Karen LoBello is coauthor of "The Great PJ Elf Chase: A Christmas Eve Tradition." She began writing in 2009, following a career as a Nevada teacher. LoBello holds a bachelor's degree in K-8 education, a secondary degree in early childhood education and a master's degree in computer education.

Photo Credits

Ableimages/Photodisc/Getty Images

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How Can Technology Be Beneficial in a Kindergarten Class? | Synonym

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Technology has a prominent place in schools and kindergarten classrooms are no exception. While technology doesn't take the place of vital, developmental play and hands-on learning, it adds to them, reinforcing traditional methods of teaching. When technology in a kindergarten class is designed to encourage young children, allow for creativity and connect to the curriculum, it benefits both the teacher and the students.

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Order, Renew, Login or simply explore aimswebPlus resources. aimswebPlus screens and monitors the reading and math skills of PreK-12 students. The assessment uncovers learning gaps, identifies at-risk students, and assesses individual and classroom growth.