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.
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Role of Motivation in Student Engagement Is Not Understood
In a recent survey, 1/2 of teachers and 1/3 leaders cited low motivation as the primary challenge to student engagement. However, only 16% of students agreed it was the most important factor. 86% of students reported personal satisfaction was highly motivating and 82% said they deeply love learning, indicating high intrinsic motivation.
Teachers Report Little Demonstration of Student Engagement Despite Agreement on Importance
Nine out of 10 teachers and leaders surveyed about engagement agreed it was "a critical metric to understanding overall achievement." However, only 1 out of 3 of teachers reported that students often asked reflective questions which they ranked as the highest indicator of engagement.
Public Opinion Supports Personalized Learning
In a public opinion study, respondents ranked students should “receive the unique support that they need” 5th, “choose courses based on their individual interests” 9th and be given “the time they need to learn at their own pace” as 13th-highest priorities in k-12 education.
Public Opinion Supports Mastery-Based Assessment over Standardized Testing
In a nationally representative public opinion study of k-12 education, respondents ranked “students should advance once they have demonstrated mastery of a subject” as their 7th priority, compared to "student success evaluated based on standardized tests" which ranked 49th.
More Ways to Measure Subtle Indicators of Engagement Are Needed
In a survey, teachers ranked asking meaningful questions and contributing to discussions as the most important indicators of student engagement. Less visible indicators such as persisting through challenges, reflecting silently or exploring ideas independently were ranked low, showing a need for more ways to measure these types of engagement.
Feelings of Relevance Increase Engagement
All stakeholders in a recent survey agreed that students put in strong effort when lessons feel meaningful and relevant. Of the students, 97% agreed with this statement. Educators (superintendents-95%, principals-90%, teachers-86%) and parents (94%) also agreed.
4 Policy Types Enable Learning Ecosystems
A study of policy conditions in 8 learning ecosystems found policies in 4 key categories supported a shift to personalized, learner-centered environments rooted in the community. Enabling policies opened jurisdictional boundaries, expanded flexible modalities, rethought educator certification and/or granted credit for learning wherever it happens.
Some Early Adopters of AI Illustrate Opportunities for Transformation
A study of early artificial intelligence (AI) adoption documented ways in which 20% of the 27 districts studied are moving beyond use for productivity to a more strategic transformation, embedding AI into broader instructional redesign and reimagining educator roles and student experiences.
Most Early AI Adopters Lack Systemic Integration
A study of early artificial intelligence adopters, found most of the 27 participants are still piloting, with 80% categorized as dabbling or emerging users. Most lack cohesive implementation, formalized training and competencies and face structural and policy barriers to scale.
Together Vision and Tech Infrastructure Support AI Adoption
In a qualitative study of 27 diverse districts using artificial intelligence, commonly observed conditions enabling early adoption included a clear vision, strong leadership that fosters an innovation culture, integrated tech-instruction teams, and a strong technology infrastructure.
Most States Allow Credit Accumulation Based on Competency
A review of education policies nation-wide found 45 states and D.C. allow learners to accumulate credits and progress towards graduation through some type of demonstration of competency.
States Support Spread of Competency-based Education
A review of supportive policies showed 12 states have a competency-based education (CBE) pilot program or network and eight provide funding opportunities like grants to encourage the spread of CBE.