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Committee approves $397,200 expansion-level pilot for parent-focused early literacy study
Summary
The finance committee voted 4–1 to recommend $397,200 in federal mineral lease funds to support an expansion-level, parent-facing early literacy research study. LxD Research will conduct ESSA-level analysis using Acadience assessments and app usage data.
The finance committee voted to recommend the Utah State Board of Education approve funding the early literacy research study at the expansion level of $397,200 using federal mineral lease discretionary funds.
Dr. Rachel Schechter of LxD Research presented the proposed study, describing it as an effectiveness project to test a parent-facing literacy app aligned to the science of reading. "None of [existing apps] have rigorous research that shows that their methods or their tools are actually effective. That is really the key to this project," Dr. Schechter said, urging a quasi-experimental start with an eventual possibility of randomized comparison if sample sizes permit.
Deputy Superintendent Scott Jones said approximately $1,000,000 was currently available in the federal mineral lease discretionary account to support projects, acknowledging close year-end timing for available balances. Members pressed for baseline and outcome measures; Dr. Schechter said the team will use Acadience scores at multiple time points and app analytics to measure dose-response and growth.
Cole Kelly moved the committee recommendation to fund the expansion-level package at $397,200. The committee approved the recommendation with four in favor and one opposed (Member Christina Boggess). The motion sends the funding recommendation to the full board for consideration.
