Kids A-Z is a leveled e-book app that links with a paid online subscription. The beauty of this program is that it encourages students to read at their level while a teacher is able to track progress. The program includes running records, benchmark passages, the ability to have books read aloud, highlighted words and quizzes at the end of each book. Levels begin at early emergent reader and go up to fluent reader. We trialed this app over a two year period with a very diverse group of students ages 14 - 21 with developmental disabilities.

As the new Common Core Standards have evolved, we desire a tool to assess students with a more individualized approach. Each student used the app independently on an iPad. First, each student was assessed and we did the running record with the microphone included within the app. Students were provided headphones to decrease distractions. After students read a few stories, we were able to go online and track data from assignment progress to quiz skills. Parents can be given an account to track their child. The students enjoyed reading the books at their level and it helped reduce frustration. The program allows the facilitator to individualize reading independently and note the student's level to increase or decrease their level accordingly.

Common Core Standards: Meets the needs for reading literature, reading informational text, and speaking and listening. Suggested IEP Goals: The student will answer ____ number of comprehension questions from factual materials. After listening to a story or passage, the student will be able to answer ____ number of questions about the story.