Summer programs that use multimedia may improve student
literacy, numeracy, phonics skills, and math vocabulary,
according to a study released by WestEd, a nonprofit education
research organization. The report examines the Electric
Company's Summer Learning Program, which is sponsored by the
Sesame Workshop, a nonprofit organization that produces "Sesame
Street" and "The Electric Company," television series that air
on PBS KIDS. Children in 12 different, five- to six-week-long
summer programs around the U.S. were assessed last summer using
the curriculum and found to have a 41 percent gain in math
vocabulary, 20 percent gain in numeracy, and 17 percent gain in
phonics skills. The curriculum combines TV shows, hands-on
activities, and online gaming, geared toward children aged 6 to
8. Teachers also reported improved student behavior and
interest, in addition to their own improved motivation and
confidence. Given the positive results of the study, the summer
program will be expanding to 25,000 in- and out-of-sc