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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Small Changes Honor Student Voices Post-Covid in Connecticut
By soliciting student input and following through on changes, even small ones, a Connecticut school is making student voice an integral part of their culture post-COVID. A survey of one ELA class showed that after the changes, 90% of students felt their voices were valued.
Teachers Emphasize Relationships After Pandemic Schooling
Interviews with 50 teachers and additional focus groups showed a desire to build deeper relationships with students and families post-COVID by continuing strategies like student office hours, assigning all staff to connect with specific students, virtual messaging and virtual family meetings.
Social-Emotional Learning Benefits Vulnerable Students
A study of Chicago students showed the most vulnerable students benefit the most from attending schools that focus both on academics and social-emotional learning. SEL increases graduation rates for high and low-income students, with low-income students seeing the biggest impact.
District Leaders Rate Social-Emotional as Important as Academic Skills
In a national survey of school counselors and district staff, 72.5 percent of district leaders indicated that building students’ social-emotional skills is as important as academic knowledge. Counselors have a critical role in delivering social-emotional learning.
Social-Emotional Factors Play a Role in Student Engagement
The top five factors influencing student engagement all focus on the whole child. Creativity and self-expression was ranked highest, with 85% indicating a positive impact on engagement. Whole child factors ranked higher than factors like academic growth.
Positive Student-Teacher Relationships Lead to Better Health Outcomes
Data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health shows that student- teacher relationships have an even bigger impact on long term adult health than student-peer relationships.
Small Groups and Flexibility Lead to Positive Learning Conditions
Surveys and interviews with educators during COVID-19 indicated smaller groups and flexibility in shaping learning environments around students’ needs led to stronger relationships. 57% could better support social and emotional well-being in small groups.
Comprehensive Student Advising Shows Promising Evidence
This research brief examines the research base for comprehensive student advising, looking at the ways it fosters relationships, social capital and student agency. It concludes there is promising evidence of impact (as defined by the US Department of Education).
Project-Based Learning Improves Collaboration
In a study investigating the student-level impacts of high quality project-based activities, teacher evaluation determined that 71% of students demonstrated proficient or above in collaboration skills.
Relationships Build Foundation for Successful Personalization
According to research report findings from City Year, prioritizing trust and strong relationships is the foundation for successful personalization.
Strong Relationships Foster Engagement
According to a City Year research report, AmeriCorps members leaning into the practice of building strong developmental relationships was critical for maintaining student engagement.
Competency-Based Practices Increase Student Engagement
In a study of 11 schools in Maine, researchers discovered a positive relationship between the degree of exposure to competency-based education practices (e.g., minimum, low-medium, and medium) and self-reported student engagement.
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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.