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
Student-Centered SEL Assessment Supports Skill Development
In a qualitative study in California, when social-emotional learning (SEL) assessment was formative and authentically embedded in classroom learning activities, both students and teachers reported the assessment measures were accurate and valuable tools to build deeper learning, self-awareness and positive relationships.
SEL Assessments Rated More Valuable When Done with Peers
A qualitative study piloting social-emotional learning (SEL) assessments in six California schools found when SEL reflections had an authentic purpose and were completed with a peer, students were more likely to report the measure was authentic and meaningful, compared to reflections completed alone.
Student-Centered Elements Boost Learning Value of Assessments
Focus group and interview data from a study piloting social-emotional learning (SEL) measures in six California schools found when SEL assessment is designed in a way that empowers student voice and choice in evidence of learning or demonstration of learning, they are more likely to report the measures are meaningful and useful.
Whole-Child Approach Builds Social-Emotional Learning Skills
In NYC, DREAM Charter Schools' whole-child approach of balancing social emotional development, athletics/wellness, and rigorous academics results in two-thirds of K-12 students increasing social-emotional competencies over the course of one school year.
Summer Sports and Academics Lead to Big Gains
DREAM Charter Schools, a small network of schools in NYC balancing social emotional development, athletics/wellness and rigorous academics during a year-long program, has seen reading proficiency increase an average of 20 percentage points and math 10 percentage points during their summer program.
Personalized Learning Grows Self-awareness
A small study found personalized learning promoted self-awareness in middle school students, a key social-emotional learning skill. Learner preference was the most frequently mentioned type of self-awareness in the qualitative data. Students became more aware of topics they were interested in, how they liked to learn and what motivated them.
Collaborative Project-based Learning Prepares Students for Future
A 2022 survey showed 97% of students felt prepared for the future after attending Iowa BIG, a program where students design community-based projects while also enrolled in their home school. 90% credited the collaboration skills gained there as a key reason.
Least Advantaged Students Benefit Most from Social-Emotional Learning
A large study of Chicago Public Schools data showed attending an effective high school (focused on social-emotional learning and behavior, in addition to academics) had the largest impact on the least academically advantaged students. College-going increased by 19% for those least advantaged, compared to a 2% increase for the most advantaged.
SEL Increases Graduation Rates for Least Advantaged
A study of Chicago student data indicated attending an effective high school (focused on social-emotional learning and behavior, in addition to academics) had a bigger impact on the least academically advantaged students the most. High school graduation rates increased by 9% for those least advantaged, compared to a .6% increase for the most advant
Schools Featuring Social-Emotional Learning and Academics Boast Better Outcomes
A study of 150 Chicago Public Schools' students showed a statistically significant impact of attending a high school which emphasized social and emotional learning in addition to increasing test scores. Attending an effective high school increased the likelihood of high school graduation by 2.4 and college-going by 2.57 percentage points.
Partnership in Meaningful Research Bolsters Student Agency
A Vermont high school teacher’s dissertation showed students exhibited higher levels of agency after participation in a Youth Action Research Project. They reported they felt heard, effectively represented other students and contributed to meaningful change. They could describe the impact of growing adult-student partnerships on their agency.
Teachers Rank Relationships Biggest Lever for Student Engagement
In a nationally representative survey, fourth to twelfth grade teachers ranked relationship-building as the most effective way to build student engagement. Seventy-eight percent of the 400 people surveyed selected it as a “highly effective” strategy.
Our Vision
A future of learning where students of all races and ethnicities, incomes and identities pursue the kinds of learning experiences that enable them to uncover their passions and thrive in an evolving world.