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Case Study - Uplifting English Language Development scores against baseline WIDA test by 1.28 Grade Levels in Thailand

April 18, 2024
Written by 
Brian Mak
2 min read

This case study explores how Daniel International School (DIS), an English-first international school in Thailand, addressed the challenge of integrating non-English speaking students (aged 9-12) into their program.

The Challenge: A Steep Learning Curve

These students came from rural backgrounds with minimal English proficiency, creating a significant gap between their abilities and the demands of the English-first program. Standardized tests revealed their reading and writing skills to be at a kindergarten/first-grade level. The challenge was to create a personalized learning experience that effectively uplifts their English literacy within a short timeframe (3-month summer program and a 6-month follow-up).

The Solution: Personalized Learning with Yeti Confetti Kids

DIS implemented Yeti Confetti for Schools, an AI-driven personalized learning program designed to cater to various age and proficiency levels. Yeti Confetti for Schools aimed to:

  • Deliver Personalized Lessons and Assessments: Yeti Confetti for Schools adapts to each student's needs, creating a dynamic learning environment.
  • Identify Areas for Improvement: Yeti Confetti for Schools provides teachers with insights into student strengths and weaknesses, enabling targeted interventions.
  • Accelerate Learning: Yeti Confetti for Schools' personalized and engaging approach aimed to accelerate English acquisition and bridge the knowledge gap.

Implementation and Assessment

Yeti Confetti for Schools was integrated into the summer program (average 30 minutes daily) and transitioned to a supplementary role (20-40 minutes per week) after school. The WIDA MODEL assessments was used to measure progress throughout the program.

What is WIDA: WIDA MODEL (Measure of Developing English Language) is a widely accepted suite of English language proficiency assessments for grades K-12.

Results: Exceeding Expectations
Typically, working with English Language Learner (ELL) students, the expected growth pattern is to advance one proficiency level in a year. However, the amazing news is these students have made a significantly notable leap! Most of them grew 1.0 proficiency level or more in several months! - Stone Lee, Founder of Daniel International School

The integration of Yeti Confetti for Schools yielded promising results:

  • Accelerated Learning: Students achieved a remarkable leap in English proficiency, exceeding the typical annual growth rate by 70%. This is attributed to Yeti Confetti for Schools' personalized approach.
  • Enhanced Teacher Effectiveness: Assessments facilitated by Yeti Confetti for Schools provided valuable data for educators, allowing for targeted instruction and improved learning experiences.
  • Quantifiable Progress: WIDA scores showed an average uplift of 1.28 levels (vs the typical 1.0), and Yeti Confetti for Schools' internal tracking indicated a 1.5 grade level improvement in reading and vocabulary within 9 months.
  • Successful Transition: The student cohort successfully transitioned into the English-based program at DIS.
Note: Student 12 started at a grade 4 learning level. During this period, Yeti Confetti Kids only supported content for up to grade 3 learning.
Conclusion: The Power of Personalized Learning

This case study demonstrates the potential of AI-powered tools like Yeti Confetti for Schools to bridge the language gap and accelerate learning for English Language Learners (ELL) students. The program's success can be attributed to factors like:

  • Individualized Learning: Yeti Confetti for Schools caters to each student's unique needs, leading to increased engagement and faster progress.
  • Data-Driven Insights: Yeti Confetti for Schools assessments provide valuable data for targeted instruction, maximizing teacher impact.
  • Engaging Format: The interactive and gamified nature of Yeti Confetti for Schools fosters a more enjoyable learning experience, boosting motivation and retention.
We observe and believe [the] Yeti Confetti App is one of the reasons for our [student's] success. - Stone Lee

The integration of Yeti Confetti for Schools highlights the potential of personalized learning tools to revolutionize the educational landscape for ELL students, enabling them to thrive in English-based academic environments.

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