Renaissance Acquires KeyPhonics Early Literacy Assessment Platform

PreK–12 provider of assessments, reading, and math instruction Renaissance announced this week it has acquired KeyPhonics, expanding Renaissance’s early literacy assessment capabilities using data linked to phonics-based reading instruction, according to a news release.

KeyPhonics, designed for grades 1–6, was the first commercially available web-based phonics assessment; it serves as a screener and diagnostic tool, analyzing a student’s grasp on the 12 “most critical phonics categories and 102 specific target patterns,” Renaissance said.

“KeyPhonics provides valuable information about phonics skills essential for instruction through a fast and easy assessment, while providing data at the student, class, grade, and district levels,” Renaissance said. “Educators can also screen all students to enable teachers and administrators to see how students are performing. This helps teachers to provide more effective instruction, and administrators to determine the resources needed to support students and staff.”

Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Renaissance said current KeyPhonics customers will continue to receive product support, and KeyPhonics functions will be introduced to Renaissance customers in the coming weeks, according to the news release.

Learn more at Renaissance.com.

About the Author

Kristal Kuykendall is editor, 1105 Media Education Group. She can be reached at [email protected].


Featured

  • Abstract geometric pattern with interconnected nodes and lines

    Microsoft 365 Copilot Updates Offer Expanded AI Capabilities, Collaboration Tools

    Microsoft has announced updates to its Microsoft 365 Copilot AI assistant, including expanded AI capabilities in individual apps, the ability to create autonomous agents, and a new AI-powered collaboration workspace.

  • An open book with text transforming into smooth lines represents reading ease

    Fluency Innovator Grants to Award Free Subscriptions to WordFlight Literacy Intervention Solution

    The call for applications is now open for Foundations in Learning's Fall 2024 Fluency Innovator Grants program. Teachers and administrators from schools and districts serving grades 3-8 may apply to receive a free subscription to WordFlight, a literacy assessment and intervention solution for students with deficits in reading fluency and comprehension, for the Fall 2024 semester.

  • AI-themed background with sparse circuit lines and minimal geometric shapes

    Microsoft to Introduce AI Agent Building Tools in Copilot Studio

    In November, Microsoft plans to roll out a public preview of a new feature within Copilot Studio, allowing users to create autonomous AI "agents" designed to handle routine tasks.

  • landscape photo with an AI rubber stamp on top

    California AI Watermarking Bill Supported by OpenAI

    OpenAI, creator of ChatGPT, is backing a California bill that would require tech companies to label AI-generated content in the form of a digital "watermark." The proposed legislation, known as the "California Digital Content Provenance Standards" (AB 3211), aims to ensure transparency in digital media by identifying content created through artificial intelligence. This requirement would apply to a broad range of AI-generated material, from harmless memes to deepfakes that could be used to spread misinformation about political candidates.