Author: Sarah Nixon Gerard
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Opening the Classroom Door: Can AI Improve Understanding of Pre-K Experiences
This study explores the feasibility of AI models in identifying instructional groupings and academic content in pre-K classroom video recordings to understand classroom activities. The research team interviewed teachers, instructional coaches, and technology developers to understand their perceptions of artificial intelligence to support early learning. Findings highlight the promise and limitations of current AI approaches and…
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Developing an AI-Supported Approach to Identify Instructional Groupings in Early Childhood Education Classrooms
This technical white paper examines the feasibility of using AI-supported approaches to automatically identify instructional groupings (e.g., small group, whole group) in pre-K classroom video recordings. The research team developed a codebook, conducted human annotations and evaluated large language models using OpenAI’s GPT-4.1-mini and GPT-5 mini on the automatic identification task. Findings demonstrate promising early…
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Developing an AI Model to Identify Math and Literacy Instruction in Early Childhood Education Classrooms
This technical white paper explores the feasibility of using AI and classroom video to automatically detect math and literacy instructional moments in pre-K settings. Building on SRI’s existing models, originally developed to identify academic content in YouTube video, this study applied a multimodal machine learning framework to pre-K classroom video recordings. Included are details on…
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Evaluation of a Playful, Learning-Rich Story Trails Pilot in Philadelphia: Final Report
SRI Education conducted a formative evaluation of a playful, learning-rich Story Trails pilot in Philadelphia, focusing on implementation and how families use the Story Trails.
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Observing Classrooms Through a Digital Lens: Examining the Reliability and Feasibility of Video Observations in Pre-kindergarten Classrooms
The Early Childhood Classroom Observation (ECCO) study was designed to better understand how video recordings can support high-quality measurement of pre-kindergarten classrooms, using two common measures of early learning programs, CLASS and ECERS-3. The study team compared the reliability of observations gathered through video and live (in-person) classroom observations.
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Reimagining Instructional Coaching: Developing Observation Tools to Support Instructional Coaching in Pre-K Classrooms
Instructional coaching can improve teaching quality in early learning classrooms. SRI Education, in collaboration with Substantial and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, created a Target Product Profile detailing the ideal features of observation tools to support instructional coaching.
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Sparking Connections: Evaluations of Mobile Messaging on Responsive Caregiving
Mobile messaging programs are a low-cost, scalable approach to building parents’ knowledge and capacity to support their children’s development. These programs directly deliver simple and straightforward information, tips, and activities that parents can incorporate into daily routines.
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Bridging the Digital Access and Use Divides in the Apple and ConnectED Initiative
This report focuses on implementation of the Apple and ConnectED Initiative with respect to the dual digital divides along socioeconomic lines in access to technology and its use in instruction.
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The Apple and ConnectED Initiative: Research Study Methods
This report describes the methodology of Apple and ConnectED Research, a six-year study of the Apple and ConnectED Initiative that uses a variety of qualitative and quantitative methods to tell a comprehensive story of implementation and outcomes.
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The Efficacy of Digital Media Resources in Improving Children’s Ability to Use Informational Text: An Evaluation of Molly of Denali from PBS KIDS
Two nine-week trials with a national sample of 263 first-graders examined whether free educational videos and digital games supported children’s ability to use informational text to answer real-world questions.
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Increasing State Leaders’ Collaboration to Support Families Experiencing Homelessness
Addressing the complexities of family homelessness is a challenging but necessary goal. State leaders can help by identifying and coordinating all available resources to better serve all children experiencing homelessness and their families.
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1:1 Teaching and Learning in the Apple and ConnectED Initiative: Lessons from Early Implementation
This report asks the questions, what does a promising start look like and what types of support can enable conditions for success?