Program Description

"eSpark is a supplemental, standards-aligned reading and math program for K-5 instruction, practice, and assessment."

Cost

Must contact publisher for pricing

Intended Population

• Core
• Intervention

Grade

• Elementary School

Intended Group Size

• Any

ELL/DLL

• Unspecified

Multisensory Applications

• Yes

Computer-Based Delivery

• Full

Scripted

• Instructor Scripted

Comprehensive or Skill Specific

• Comprehensive

Placement Tests

• Yes

Accelerated Learning

• Yes

Assessment to Monitor Skills Mastery

• Yes

Error Correction Built In

• Yes

Fidelity Measures Provided by Publisher

• Unspecified

Research Summary

One peer-reviewed study found that students in 3rd-6th grade experienced small statistically significant gains in math test scores compared to the students who were using iXL Learning. One doctoral dissertation study found that at-risk kindergarteners that utilized the program did not experience statistically significant gains in kindergarten readiness skills. Another found that when paired with the NWEA/MAP assessments, students showed statistically significant results in overall student growth compared to schools who were not using individualized learning technology. Lastly, a study published by an eSpark researcher found that students who used eSpark grew nine percentile points on a nationally normed assessment and on average rated the web-based design highly. No other peer-reviewed articles were found. Consequently, there is insufficient evidence to support eSpark’s efficacy at this time.

Study Citations

Hollands, Fiona M. and Pan, Yilin (2018) "Evaluating Digital Math Tools in the Field," Middle Grades Review: Vol. 4 : Iss. 1 , Article 8. Available at: https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/mgreview/vol4/iss1/8

Nolan, J. P. (2016). Implementation of iPads for at-risk pre-kindergarten students (Doctoral dissertation, Concordia University Chicago). Retrieved from https://search.proquest.com/openview/82a19e04829e845882cb14b3738fcb58/1?cbl=18750&diss=y&pq-origsite=gscholar

Lopuch, M. (2013). The effects of educational apps on student achievement and engagement. Retrieved from https://www. esparklearning. com/resources/the‐effects‐of‐educational‐apps‐on‐student‐achievement‐and‐engagement.

Riley-Hibner, H. (2020). An Educational Paradigm Shift: A Quantitative Study on Effective Instructional Strategies Paired with Individualized Learning Technologies and the Effect on Student Growth in Schools in Southwestern Pennsylvania (Doctoral dissertation, Point Park University). Retrieved from https://search.proquest.com/openview/0dfab131f5479da18003b09c3a6f926d/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=18750&diss=y

Evidence Base (ESSA)

• No studies met inclusion requirements

Evidence-Based Practice (EBP)

• Insufficient evidence

Additional Reviews

• https://www.commonsense.org/education/app/espark-teacher-review/3987261