Learning styles (LS) have been used for classifying students by their preferences relative to taking information in, processing it and demonstrating their ability in the context of education. This paper investigates the role of LS in K-12 education by considering the manner in which student LS are assessed and the extent to which they have informed K-12 instruction. The paper illustrates the impact of LS on teachers, pedagogy, student engagement and assessment. The theoretical framework of LS theory is discussed. Furthermore, this paper identifies a gap in the literature regarding LS and assessment; specifically the development of assessments based on LS. The authors suggest adapting student assessment utilizing technology-enhanced items (TEIs) developed based on students' LS may provide a more reliable measure of student ability. Implications for practice and limitations are discussed.

Early learning assessment is a necessary mechanism for understanding skills children possess and to inform their instruction. Assessing early learners is different in many aspects than assessing older students. Considerations such as mode of assessment, supports necessary to obtain instructionally relevant data, and the impact of feedback for engaging students in assessment must be afforded. This study focused on the use of a tablet-based app as a digital means of assessment that lent itself well to the necessary considerations when assessing early learners. Based on the data collected in this study through the assessment app, observations and student and teacher interviews, students as young as 44 months demonstrated the ability to self-administer and remain engaged in the assessment activities incorporated within the app. Teachers described use of the reporting interface as instructionally informative and easy to use. The paper concludes with a discussion of supportive attributes of digital platforms in the assessment of early learners and areas for future research in the field.

This research considers the predictive utility of 10 decoding skills on a student's ability to read.