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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Innovative Schools Integrate Social-Emotional Learning
According to a survey of over 250 schools known for innovative approaches, almost 75% are prioritizing relationships and wellness. Sixty-one percent reported the use of advisories, just under 50% offer one-to-one mentoring and approximately 70% offer mental health services.
Educators Link Social-Emotional Learning to Academic Outcomes
According to a nationally representative sample, most teachers believe social emotional learning improves learning. 83% of the educators surveyed by Education Week said they feel social-emotional-learning has a positive impact on academic outcomes.
Educators and Parents Agree Relationships are Critical to Success
In a 2022 national survey of changing educator and parent views, 97% of administrators, 98% of teachers and 90% of parents felt relationships were the most critical social emotional component of student success.
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.
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.