Dive Brief:
- Virginia's Manassas City Public Schools (MCPS) is partnering with Footsteps2Brilliance to launch a free, digital literacy tool for the district's 4-year-olds.
- The goal of the pre-K tool is to not only accelerate literacy learning and close the achievement gap, but to also widen access to tools that can make these goals possible.
- The mobile literacy program focuses on three areas: vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking, and will be a free app on mobile devices or tablets or as a website on computers for residents.
Dive Insight:
According to eSchools News "every $1 dollar spent on quality early education produces a $14 to $17 return." If correct, this factoid says a lot about the value of programs like this. A free pre-K tool can be used by anyone, anywhere.
That said, districts looking to replicate this model shouldn't completely brush aside the importance of a traditional pre-K model, or rely too heavily on apps. Last April NPR worked with Georgetown University professor and developmental psychologist, Deborah Phillips to break down what makes a "high-quality" pre-K program. According to Phillips, one of the ultimate benefits of a stellar pre-K program is that it mimics many of the relationship needs a child desires from its family. By giving emotional and social support, children feel "safe, protected, loved, valued," according to Phillips — all necessities to make students love school and want to succeed. Can apps deliver these emotions?
