Making the Case: Compelling Data
This growing library features data points describing the impacts and outcomes of student-centered and competency-based teaching and learning. The data are sourced from research studies, evaluation reports and journal articles, as well as evidence collected directly by classroom, school, district and state leaders.
Support the growing field of student-centered learning. Submit data from your research study, district or school.
Add Data to Your Presentations
A New Vision of Learning Leads to 100% Graduation in PA School
By shifting to a flexible learning model, a rural Pennsylvania high school achieved a 100% graduation rates, up from 78.95% 5 years earlier. Community experts provide guidance through outside experiences like volunteer firefighting and classes like veterinary sciences. Student growth is captured through holistic "Village Transcripts."
Mindset Shift Improves Teacher Well-Being in Texas
A study of 6-9th-grade math teachers in a professional development program focused on shifting to “a culture of learning), found the treatment cut burnout in half for teachers who started with a fixed-mindset (16% compared to 34% in the control pr(CATE<0)=.88)and improved well-being by 76% (60% compared to 34% in the control pr(CATE>0)=.92)
Classroom Culture Increases Engagement in Texas
Texas high school students participating in an intervention to create “a culture of learning” in 6-9th grade math classrooms reported both improved culture of respect (s.m.d.=0.16 s.d., pr(ATE>0)=.938.) and a higher level of behavioral engagement compared to a control group (s.m.d. = 0.45 s.d. pr(ATE<0)=.997). The finding was statisticall
Classroom Culture Boosts Math Performance in Texas
A study of 12,432 6th-9th grade Texas math students found implementing a "culture of learning" intervention — which shifted teachers’ classroom language around mistakes, confusion and grading — boosted student performance by the equivalent of four months of learning compared to the control (0.122 s.d. pr(ATE>0)=.989).
Components for Systems Change in Kentucky
A study of 3 Kentucky schools successfully tackling systems change found 4 components needed for success: a shared vision to unite the community; clear expectations which allowed flexibility in when, where and how of learning; authentic student demonstrations of learning across disciplines; and investment in staff growth and leadership.
4 Drivers of Change in WA
An evaluation of the second year of a Washington school network piloting mastery‑based and culturally affirming learning identified four consistent drivers of success: 1) professional learning and coaching, 2) scheduled time for the work, 3) a staff culture open to learning and change and 4) supportive school leadership.
Instructional Vision Key to AI Implementation in CA
A study of 18 California schools piloting AI tools found alignment with instructional vision the key to success. Without it, when individual tutoring was used with a strictly-paced curriculum for example, teachers encountered implementation issues, prompting some to discontinue use despite demonstrated learning gains.
Mastery-based Initiative Strengthens School Climate in WA
About half of educators from the Mastery-Based Learning Collaborative agreed their school has become more culturally responsive, welcoming, affirming and emotionally and physically safe in a survey after three years participating in the Washington state demonstration project.
Review of Studies Shows Postive Peer Connection Improves Motivation
A synthesis of 16 studies showed that positive peer connections and support, especially from similar-identity peers, create a sense of belonging, motivation and engagement. Alternatively, incidents of peer bias were associated with decreases in these outcomes.
Review of Studies Shows Teacher Bias Impacts Student Engagement and Academics
In a literature review of over 100 sources on student motivation, multiple studies found that when students experience racial discrimination and micro aggressions from teachers, their curiosity, engagement and sense of belonging decrease. As a result, student motivation and academic performance also decrease over time.
Review of Studies Finds Inclusive School Environment Encourages Student Motivation
A review of 69 studies looking at the impact of school environment on student motivation found that inclusive school policies that prioritize student well-being, accommodate diverse learning needs and affirm student identities increase motivation and engagement. Inversely, policies that marginalize students are associated with decreased engagement.
Professional Development in Personalized Learning Increases Teacher Retention in OH
When surveyed in 2024, 63% of the 700 educators in an Ohio cohort receiving professional development from KnowledgeWorks reported that implementing personalized learning has made them want to continue working in their school, compared to just 44% in 2023.