IES Awards Children’s Progress Phase II Grant to Develop Computer-Based Cognitive Assessment

July 8, 2011 - PRLog -- Children’s Progress announced today that it has been awarded a two-year Phase II grant by the U.S. Department of Education’s Institute of Education Sciences (IES) to support the development of a new computer-based assessment for pre-kindergarten through grade two. The aim of this assessment will be to identify children with exceptional cognitive and academic abilities, discover and build on the strengths of all children and provide opportunities for individualized instruction.

“Based on promising initial pilot research in New York City schools, we’re confident that further development of this tool will provide schools with a better way to identify and cater to the special abilities of all children, which is an essential endeavor for our nation’s schools,” said Children’s Progress’ Chief Scientific Officer, Dr. Eugene Galanter. Acting as the Primary Investigator for this project, Dr. Galanter is also Emeritus Professor and Quondam Director of the Columbia University Psychophysics Laboratory.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the fastest growing employment sector within the next decade will be professional, scientific, and technical services or “STEM” occupations. Without an investment in the early identification of student strengths across a wide range of abilities and the implementation of differentiated, individualized instruction for these students, the United States may be ill-prepared to meet the demands of this shifting labor market.

In fulfilling the IES grant with an eye on the STEM trend, Children’s Progress seeks to not simply offer schools a better way to identify student abilities and teach to them, but to also use technology to provide more effective ways for educators to collaborate and for parents to participate in their children’s education. Moreover, Children’s Progress plans to incorporate a computer-based instructional component to support teachers in differentiating instruction and individualizing the learning experience for students across the ability spectrum.

“We held focus groups with educators to discuss their pain points in identifying high-ability students. Educators noted that in addition to being costly and time-consuming, current methods often overlook students from diverse socio-cultural backgrounds who have high potential. We look forward to ensuring equal access for all students while making the process more reliable, cost-effective and efficient for schools,” said Children’s Progress CEO Kevin Greaney.

This fall, Children’s Progress will work with schools and districts nationwide to conduct research on newly developed assessment and instructional content that will address a broad range of skills in tandem with grade level curricula.

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Children’s Progress (www.childrensprogress.com) is an award-winning educational technology company. We specialize in developing engaging, computer-dynamic programs for young children that help educators pinpoint how to best challenge and support each child. The company grew out of decades of research at Columbia University and patented its products in collaboration with MIT. Children’s Progress’ diagnostic assessments and instructional recommendations are designed to support the formative assessment process and have been used by schools, districts and state agencies nationwide.