Adaptive Reading Technologies
Context
In 2023, Ontario educators were introduced to a revised language curriculum. This development, influenced by the 2012 Supreme Court of Canada ruling on Moore v British Columbia and the 2022 Right to Read inquiry report, emphasized that the ability to read is not merely a privilege but an inherent human right. We are now tasked with providing comprehensive educational frameworks, based in systematic evidence-based approaches, that cater to students of all abilities.
At the core of this shift lies the potential for integrating adaptive reading technologies that are grounded in the science of reading. These adaptive tools can cater to individual learning styles and abilities, presenting a unique opportunity to explore new pathways for engagement and comprehension. Informed by empirical research, these technologies offer personalized learning experiences, helping students progress reading levels faster and offering educators better insights to areas of interventions.
As a Ministry we need to be addressing the Right to Read recommendations in the most efficient way possible, and this includes investing in Adaptive Reading Technologies that are grounded in the “Science of Reading”.
The Report
In February on 2022, the Ontario Human Rights Commission released the Right to Read Inquiry Report providing an analysis of the reading issues in Ontario and 157 recommendations to address the systemic issues affecting our children’s right to read. Key findings have found that:
In 2018–19 only 74% of Grade 3 students met the provincial reading standard on the primary-division assessment. Only 62% met the standard unassisted.
In 2018-19, 81% of Grade 6 students met the provincial reading standard, with only 72% of students meeting the standard unassisted.
Science of Reading
The Science of Reading refers to the body of literature and studies conducted, and still being conducted, to reveal proven strategies for improving the skills needed to read successfully. Most important to note is that the science of reading is not one specific application or program that is widely applicable to all learners and it is not a stagnant body of literature. From the current literature, the science of reading will focus on the 5 pillars of literacy.
Current Interventions
Market Readiness & New Opportunities
The market seems to be indicating a shift towards using AI interventions.
According to Fortune Business Insights (2023) the North America adaptive learning software market size is projected to “grow from $1.20 billion in 2023 to $4.42 billion by 2030, at a [compounded annual growth rate] of 20.5%”.
The North American market is ready for a shift towards using AI adaptive reading interventions. In fact, some companies are already leveraging the power of speech recognition artificial intelligence to create reading programs. Furthering the bullish position on the market, the Office of Educational Technology from the US Department of Education officially released its insights and recommendations on Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Teaching and Learning in May of 2023. One key insight highlighted the research-backed benefits of harnessing AI enabled adaptivity in learning. Even more interesting to note is the specific mention of using adaptive reading technologies (p39) in the report as well. As evident in the graphic shown, AI is not going to replace the teacher. The research suggests that humans must be at the center of the educational loop in order to be most effective.
So what new opportunities lie ahead?
Advancements in Voice AI technology pave the way for adaptive reading programs.
“In recent years, more than half of all states have passed laws encouraging or incorporating the science of reading in classroom instruction, marking a major shift away from the previously pervasive balanced literacy approach. This transformative movement is creating strong tailwinds for literacy technology businesses.”
Future Outlook
Educational companies are always vying to create more space in the learning technology market and school boards will continue to invest in them - especially when we see reports like The Right to Read. It is clear the gap for this specific emerging technology exists. I am currently working in schools that are struggling to implement a consistent literacy program for students for various logistical reasons. When reflecting upon opportunities for new companies, it is clear that although there are large educational companies in the literacy space, the application of adaptive reading technologies is still blooming. The voice AI technology used to create these programs is readily available. Experts in the science of reading and those with hands-on experience in education, specifically literacy, might see this as a viable gap and opportunity.
That being said, when looking specifically at the application to Canada and even more locally in Ontario, the organizational structure of teachers makes it difficult to provide province-wide interventions because of union guidelines. This may create a barrier to bulk sales within school boards as they cannot guarantee programs will be adopted by teachers who have the freedom to choose.
References
Amira Learning. “Homepage.” Amiralearning.com, 2023, amiralearning.com/. Accessed 15 Feb. 2024.
Cardona, Miguel A., et al. Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Teaching and Learning Insights and Recommendations. Office of Educational Technology, May 2023.
Ello Technology, Inc. “Read with Ello.” Www.ello.com, 2024, www.ello.com. Accessed 13 Feb. 2024.
EPS Learning. “Reading Assistant - EPS Learning.” Www.epslearning.com, 2024, www.epslearning.com/products/eps-reading-assistant. Accessed 8 Feb. 2024.
EPS Learning. “S.P.I.R.E. Overview - EPS Learning.” Www.epslearning.com, 2024, www.epslearning.com/products/spire-overview.
Fortune Business Insights. “Infographics - North America Adaptive Learning Software Market.” Www.fortunebusinessinsights.com, May 2023, www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/infographics/north-america-adaptive-learning-software-market-107486. Accessed 15 Feb. 2024.
Harris Williams. “Literacy Technology: The Science of Reading.” Www.harriswilliams.com, 11 Sept. 2023, www.harriswilliams.com/our-insights/tech-literacy-technology-the-science-of-reading. Accessed 17 Feb. 2024.
Klein, Alyson. “Measuring Reading Comprehension Is Hard. Can AI and Adaptive Tools Help?” Education Week, 15 Mar. 2023, www.edweek.org/technology/measuring-reading-comprehension-is-hard-can-ai-and-adaptive-tools-help/2023/03.
Magallanez, Michelle. “AI Meets the Science of Reading and Writing Skill Development.” Computer Science Teachers Association, 15 May 2023, csteachers.org/ai-meets-the-science-of-reading-and-writing-skill-development/. Accessed 7 Feb. 2024.
National Center on Improving Literacy. “The Science of Reading: The Basics.” National Center on Improving Literacy, 31 Aug. 2022, improvingliteracy.org/brief/science-reading-basics. Accessed 12 Feb. 2024.
Nessy’s Dyslexia Explained. “The Science of Reading.” Www.youtube.com, 24 Mar. 2022, www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCmbVl4x6M8.
Ontario Human Rights Commission. Inquiry Report: Right to Read. Government of Ontario, Feb. 2022.
Scholastic. “Phonics Instruction Ready4Reading.” Scholastic.com, 2024, www.scholastic.com/content/educators/en/learn/ready-for-reading.html. Accessed 8 Feb. 2024.
Scholastic Education. “Catch up Your Code | Scholastic Education Canada.” Www.scholastic.ca, 2024, www.scholastic.ca/education/catch-up-your-code/. Accessed 11 Feb. 2024.
University of Florida Literacy Institute. “UFLI Foundations: UF Literacy Institute.” UFLI Foundations, University of Florida Literacy Institute, ufli.education.ufl.edu/foundations/. Accessed 10 Feb. 2024.