K–2 students are increasingly embracing technology in California schools, thus providing teachers time to delve more deeply into the reading and math concepts required under the Common Core State Standards.

Software programs like iRead and Spatial-Temporal (ST) Math adapt to the student, waiting until he or she has firmly grasped a concept before moving to the next, according to this EdSource article.

A WestEd evaluation of the ST Math program found that California Standards Test math scores were significantly higher for students across California in grades 2, 3, and 5 who were in schools that fully implemented ST Math compared to similar students who were not. The WestEd researchers found no significant difference for grade 4.

Despite the role that computers can play in student learning at such a young age, some educators are concerned that new technologies can add to, rather than replace, television time. As such, technology for learning should be used strategically and intentionally with time limits.

Read the EdSource article.