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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4 Drivers of Change in WA
An evaluation of the second year of a Washington school network piloting mastery‑based and culturally affirming learning identified four consistent drivers of success: 1) professional learning and coaching, 2) scheduled time for the work, 3) a staff culture open to learning and change and 4) supportive school leadership.
Mastery-based Learning Correlates with Greater Student/Teacher Relationships in WA
After four years in a Washington network piloting mastery based and culturally affirming learning, students in high-implementation schools reported stronger relationships with teachers than peers in low-implementation schools, by 0.59 standard deviations. This pattern also held for students of color, with positive and significant differences.
Low Parent Support for Standardized Testing
A national survey of over 20,000 parents showed low levels of support for standardized testing. This result held across income levels with 29% of low- and middle-income parents and 33% of high-income strongly favoring annual standardized testing to measure achievement.
Educators Perceive Higher Student Engagement from Mastery-based Learning
After four years of participation in a Washington school network piloting mastery‑based and culturally responsive education, 77% of administrators and 47% of teachers reported learning and assessment became more engaging as a result of the school’s commitment to these practices.
AI Training Results in Creative Solutions
In a study of 18 California schools, AI training and support drove near universal use. Adoption jumped from one-third of teachers rarely using AI to 97% using it weekly, with teachers applying student- and teacher-facing tools to tackle issues from learning gaps to behavioral challenges.
Instructional Vision Key to AI Implementation in CA
A study of 18 California schools piloting AI tools found alignment with instructional vision the key to success. Without it, when individual tutoring was used with a strictly-paced curriculum for example, teachers encountered implementation issues, prompting some to discontinue use despite demonstrated learning gains.
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.