The Ready To Learn (RTL) initiative supports the development of educational digital media for preschool and early elementary school children and their families. RTL promotes early learning and school readiness, with a particular interest in reaching children from low-income families.
Funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Ready to Learn grant, WestEd is the research partner contracted to conduct extensive research on and evaluation of the design and learning impacts of RTL media content. WestEd is proud to be part of the overall effort to pave the way for even more effective RTL programs in the future.
Ready To Learn (2015-2021): Measuring the Effectiveness of the Hero Elementary Program for K-2 Children & Families
From 2015-2021, WestEd partnered with Twin Cities Public Television (TPT) to conduct extensive research on and evaluation of their Hero Elementary program, which combines Kindergarten to 2nd science learning with interactive media.
To promote early learning and school readiness, with a particular interest in reaching children from low-income families, Hero Elementary embeds K–2 science standards into a program of interactive games, educational apps, non-fiction e-books, hands-on activities, digital notebook designed for informal learning settings.
Research activities included Playlist Studies, Formative TV Testing, Formative Games Testing, Case Studies, Evaluations, and more to understand the Hero Elementary program’s success in integrating science learning into informal learning environments and improving student learning outcomes.
Learn more about 2015-2021 findings and resources.
Ready To Learn Evaluation of Transmedia Science Learning Resources for Children & Families (2010-2015)
Over the course of this five-year RTL grant initiative, WestEd assessed the impact of multiple transmedia early science and literacy programs on family engagement and student learning among young children in both the classroom and home environments.
WestEd conducted a series of needs assessments and formative evaluations to examine PBS KIDS multi-platform content –including television programs, video, interactive games, mobile apps, and hands-on activities.
WestEd’s research explored whether PBS and CPS early science and literacy content engaged children and enhanced their early learning skills. WestEd also supported the development of RTL math and literacy content to explore the influence on student learning.
Learn more about 2010-2015 findings and resources.
