iSTART StairStepper—Using Comprehension Strategy Training to Game the Test

Literacy skills are critical for future success, yet over 60% of high school seniors lack proficient reading according to standardized tests. The focus on stakes, test performance may lead educators “teach-to-the-test” rather than supporting transferable comprehension strategies that students need. StairStepper can fill this gap by blending necessary prep and strategy practice in a fun, game-based environment. is an adaptive literacy skill training game within Interactive Strategy Training Active Reading Thinking (iSTART) intelligent tutoring system. unique it models text passages multiple-choice questions high-stakes assessments, iteratively acquisition through self-explanation prompts scaffolded, feedback based self-explanations. This paper describes experimental study employing delayed-treatment control design evaluate users’ perceptions the its influence scores. Results indicate participants enjoyed visual aspects environment, wanted perform well, considered helpful. scores treatment condition did not increase. However, group decreased. Collectively, these results intended instruction providing enjoyable essential preparation, potentially increasing students’ persistence while decreasing teacher workload.