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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Learner-Centered Education Can Impact Cognitive, Social-Emotional and Behavioral Outcomes
A review of 93 studies covering approaches that align with learner-centered education found the potential to support students across multiple developmental domains, yielding positive cognitive, social-emotional and behavioral outcomes.
Competency-Based Learning’s Potential to Increase Academic Growth Supported by Research Review
A review of 93 studies covering approaches that align with learner-centered education found competency-based learning has the potential to promote students’ long-term skill development, academic growth and future readiness.
Personalized Learning’s Potential to Bolster Motivation and Achievement Supported by Research Review
A review of 93 studies covering approaches that align with learner-centered education found personalized learning has the potential to affirm identity, enhance motivation and improve academic achievement for students.
Experiences that Build Empathy Increase Community Buy-In
A study of Allen County, KY’s reform efforts found empathy was a key factor in the generation of positive feelings of trust, satisfaction and ownership of district reforms in community members. 89% who described experiences connecting “heart to heart” reported increased trust, compared to 50% connecting “head to head.”
Inclusive Design Process Increases Community Support
A study of inclusive design process in Allen County, KY found engaging stakeholders in co-creation and decision-making led to positive effects on community-facing outcomes. Data showed an 89% positive impact for participants recounting stories of “empowerment” compared to just 64% for those who reported being “informed” or “included.”
Visible Learning Creates Community Support for Reform
A study of the accountability reforms in Allen County, KY found efforts to include community members in early conversations establishing graduation competencies and subsequent project-based learning and performance assessments made shifts in teaching and learning visible, improving community buy-in and contributing to scalability district-wide.
Self-Directed Learning Increases Academic Achievement
A 2023 meta-analysis of studies investigating self-directed learning in higher education across multiple disciplines found a positive and significant correlation with higher academic achievement (p < .05).
Number of Self-Directed Learning Microschools Increasing
A landscape review indicates the number of innovative schools, microschools and other programs focused on self-directed learning (SDL) and learner agency has increased nationally since 2021. The breadth of examples shows SDL can be implemented in varied communities with a wide-range of students.
Accuracy and Inclusivity Guide AI Adoption
When 60 math teachers’ criteria for artificial intelligence adoption were analyzed, accuracy (trustworthy and grounded in facts) and inclusiveness (accessible to diverse cognitive and cultural needs of users) emerged as the top considerations, with each chosen by 13% as their highest adoption criteria.
Parents Support Career and Technical Training
A survey of approximately 1,500 parents of K-12 public school students found 94% of parents supported offering all high school students the option to take classes in career, technical and trade skills.
Parents Support Dual Enrollment Options
In a survey of approximately 1,500 parents of K-12 public school students, 93% reported supporting giving all high school students the option to take dual-credit classes.
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."