Science Learning with Hero Elementary: Accessible Blended Learning Resources to Reach All Students — Executive Summary

Hero Elementary is a transmedia educational initiative aimed at improving the school readiness and academic achievement in science and literacy of children grades K-2. With an emphasis on Latinx communities, English Language Learners, youth with disabilities, and children from low-income households, Hero Elementary celebrates kids and encourages them to make a difference in their own backyards and beyond by actively doing science and using their Superpowers of Science. The content is aligned with NGSS and CCSS-ELA for K–2. This executive summary synthesizes a case study, in which we examined the design features of Hero Elementary resources and their use with students from a variety of backgrounds, strengths, and identities. The study provides rich examples of design strategies that can guide researchers, resource designers, and educators as they seek to create and use learning resources to engage diverse learners in science and other content areas. In addition, the study provides evidence of how educator professional development focused on equity and accessibility prompted educators to use research-based practices make learning content more accessible for their students.

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