Amira Learning unveils Amira 2.0 to address K-6 reading comprehension challenges
Amira Learning, an AI-powered reading tutor, has unveiled Amira 2.0, aimed at addressing K-6 reading comprehension using Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology. This updated version expands Amira's capabilities beyond reading fluency to include live interactions with students to improve their understanding of reading material.
The release responds to literacy education challenges, including a nationwide shortage of certified teachers in the USA, leaving many classrooms without sufficient resources.
A significant percentage of students, approximately 69% of 8th graders, read below grade level. Amira Learning seeks to address these issues by enhancing its AI reading tutor to target reading comprehension.
Developed by a team of experts from Pearson, IBM, ACT, and Renaissance, Amira 2.0 builds upon two decades of research at Carnegie Mellon University. It utilises a Large Language Model (LLM) to engage students in live dialogue, probing their comprehension and tailoring questions to enhance understanding and fluency.
Mark Angel, Founder & CEO of Amira Learning, emphasised the importance of addressing comprehension gaps in students' reading skills, stating:
“Since founding Amira five years ago, we’ve helped students across the country become far more fluent readers by reading out loud with their own tutor. However, we know that gaps beyond fluency exist; students need to be able to understand what they read, communicate their ideas, and show comprehension. The new Amira addresses this need, and steps in to assist when teachers are so low on time.”
Amira has demonstrated a significant impact in improving children's reading literacy. An independent study commissioned by the State of Utah’s Department of Education revealed that students reading with Amira for 30 minutes per week experienced 1.5 years of growth in reading proficiency within a single school year.
Dr. Nell K. Duke, Executive Director of Stand for Children’s Center of Early Literacy Success and Amira Learning’s Principal Research Advisor expressed enthusiasm for Amira's new technology, stating:
“To learn, children need to be able to show their understanding through verbal and written communication, and with the support of a coach who can really listen. Amira’s new groundbreaking technology hits on all of these points. This is the next frontier in literacy growth, and only Amira can provide it.”
Building upon its existing platform, Amira 2.0 introduces several new features to enhance reading comprehension. The AI-powered tutor, "Amira," listens to children as they read aloud and offers personalised micro-interventions in real-time. These interventions are based on the Science of Reading frameworks and include mini-lessons to address mistakes made during oral reading.
When students exhibit signs of struggling, such as slowing their reading pace, changing inflection, or transitioning to a new topic, Amira intervenes with scaffolded comprehension questions.
The platform continuously collects and updates data on students' progress, offering detailed reports and recorded transcripts of reading sessions.
Reports now include the level of understanding attained by students, along with transcripts and tools to facilitate analysis of their responses.
“I love the comprehension conversation opportunities for students,” said Stephanie Castro, a teacher in Waukesha, Wisconsin. “As an upper elementary teacher, we always want more comprehension skills in Amira and this is an awesome addition for us to get more data on this.”
