Release Notes 06.25.2025
You have new enhancements designed to make it easier to use Waterford on all devices and with all learners just in time for back to school. As always, if you have questions, visit our Help Center for support.
Current iOS and Android App Version 2.10.6
Affects:
Waterford continues to bring new features and functionality to the software, and continuous updates are made to improve tablet functionality. To ensure that you and your students have an optimal experience, the current version, 2.10.6, is recommended. Waterford utilizes automatic updates whenever possible.
New Features
New Product Name… Same Great Learning Experience!
Affects:
For years, Waterford Reading Academy has helped thousands of young children build a strong foundation in reading. While our name emphasized literacy, the program has always included instruction in early math and science as well—all grounded in research and designed to help children meet critical third-grade milestones.
To better reflect the full scope of what we offer, we’re officially changing the name to Waterford Early Learning.
This change was announced in Spring 2025, and starting in June 2025, you’ll see the new name—Waterford Early Learning (WEL)—in place of Waterford Reading Academy (WRA) throughout the platform.
Enhanced Support for Letter Recognition
Affects:
To support children in strengthening their ability to recognize and connect uppercase and lowercase letters, we’ve added a new instructional song. This engaging resource builds on what children already know and helps deepen their understanding of this important early literacy skill. You can find this new song in Resources & Activities.
Enhanced Features
Enhancements to WACS for Better Learner Engagement
Affects:
The latest version of the Waterford Assessment of Core Skills (WACS) is now available with Waterford Early Learning. This version includes significant enhancements for a more comprehensive and accessible assessment experience.
The updates focus on the child’s experience, offering features designed to engage and delight early learners:
- Animated Adventure Guide: Wyatt leads children through virtual challenges.
- Touchscreen Compatibility: Ensures ease of use on tablets.
- Expanded Item Bank: Includes new print concepts items to assess foundational pre-reading skills.
- User-Friendly Scale Score: Loosely aligns with a child's age for better understanding.
- Updated Reports: Featuring a new, more intuitive visual design.
- Customizable Benchmark Windows: Allows the addition of active hours.
Two Reading Reports updated with State Standards
Affects:
You can now see state standard information in the Objective Details and Area of Difficulty reports. This makes it easier for you to correlate Waterford objectives to your state standards.
Please note:
- This update applies to Reading grades K-2 only.
- It does not apply to Math & Science.
- It does not apply to SmartStart.
Implementation Details:
- Your state standards will automatically be added based on your state. There is nothing you need to do.
- If no standard is set, the column will not be visible.
- The standard will be displayed using the state's standard code, with a hover-over feature to see the full standard in the program.
- All standards mapped to each objective will be displayed regardless of grade.
Date Range Filter for Area of Difficulty Report
Affects:
A date range filter has been added to the Area of Difficulty report. Historically, this report has shown student performance over the past 45 days. While helpful, educators often need more immediate insights, such as the results from the past week or two, so that they can respond quickly with targeted support and review progress with caregivers.
When running class- or student-level reports, the new date range filter will be required. The date range filters options are:
- Current week
- Last week
- Last 2 weeks
- Last month
- Current school year
- Custom
Updated Visuals in Song Videos
Affects:
Song videos have been updated with fresh new visuals and mnemonics. You can find these updates Resources & Activities.
Updated Usage Goals for Reading and Math & Science
Affects:
We have revised the recommended goals for usage minutes and days. While all previous default session time goals remain unchanged, the following adjustments have been made:
- Reading goal changes: 1st & 2nd—20 min/5 days a week
- Math & Science goal changes: PreK & K—15 min/4 days a week; 1st & 2nd—15 min/5 days a week
Better Tablet Experience
Affects:
We’ve enhanced scores of digital activities to run more smoothly on tablets. Updates include easier navigation, improved audio, and stronger Spanish language support—making learning more fun and accessible for every child.
You’ll see updates in activities like:
- Print Directionality
These improvements help students stay engaged and support learning based on the Science of Reading.
