Committee approves $397,200 expansion-level pilot for parent-focused early literacy study

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.