Policies

Renaissance's educational technology program

Context and Issue

Educators faced significant challenges in effectively assessing and enhancing student learning. Traditional methods of gauging student performance were often time-consuming, lacked adaptability, and did not provide the immediate feedback necessary to tailor educational experiences to individual student needs. This inefficiency hindered teachers' ability to support diverse learning styles and address the varied academic levels within a classroom.

Solution

Renaissance offers a comprehensive suite of educational technology tools designed to address the inefficiencies of traditional assessments, beginning with the launch of Accelerated Reader in 1986. These tools, which include Star Reading, Star Math, myON, Freckle, Schoolzilla, Nearpod, and Lalilo, provide adaptive assessments and personalized learning experiences that accurately measure and enhance student learning. Used by one-third of US schools and in over 100 countries, Renaissance’s products are implemented through cloud-based platforms, ensuring widespread accessibility. Computer-adaptive assessments like Star Reading and Star Math adjust question difficulty based on student responses, ensuring precise scoring, while platforms like myON and Freckle deliver tailored learning experiences. Schoolzilla aggregates and visualizes data, providing actionable insights for educators through detailed performance reports accessible via the platform's dashboard. Renaissance's commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion shapes its products and company culture, aiming to accelerate student learning. By integrating these key elements, Renaissance supports educators with essential tools and data, enhancing students' academic journey.

Impact

Renaissance's educational technology program has significantly impacted learning outcomes, with more than 40% of US schools and 16 million students across over 100 countries relying on their solutions. Their tools, backed by 2.8 billion real-world data points, drive continuous product development and have garnered numerous awards, including the SIIA CODiE Awards for Best Education Platform. Positive results include minimal learning loss in Florida's Monroe County School District during the pandemic and notable reading growth among 480,000 students using myON, with some achieving two years' worth of growth in a single year. Renaissance's commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion has also earned accolades like the 2024 Great Place to Work® Certification™ and Fortune’s Best Workplaces for Women™ 2023, highlighting the program's success in creating an inclusive and effective learning environment.

Analysis

Renaissance's educational technology program, while significantly improving learning outcomes, faces barriers such as the digital divide, which affects underprivileged or remote schools lacking reliable internet and up-to-date devices. Resistance to change and the need for comprehensive teacher training also pose challenges. Despite these issues, the program's scalability appears promising. Its extensive current use in one-third of US schools and over 100 countries, combined with cloud-based platforms, ensures adaptability and growth potential. Addressing barriers through partnerships with governments, NGOs, and private sectors can enhance inclusivity and accessibility, making the program scalable with targeted efforts.