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
Personalized Learning Boosts Scores on State Tests
A 4-year longitudinal study of a pre-K - 8 California school implementing a strengths-based blended personalized learning model showed a significant positive impact on all Math, Reading and Language Use on NWEA MAP tests. On average, treatment students outperformed the control group by about 1.22 - 1.96 points on the MAP scale.
Students Report Better Self-Regulate When Teachers Use Formative Assessment
Students in 3rd-12th grades whose teachers participated in formative assessment training reported higher use of self-regulated learning strategies on surveys in 3 Arizona districts. There was also a small but statistically significant association between more frequent use of formative assessment practices and more use of self-regulated learning str
Teachers Not Using Most Impactful Assessment Strategies
Based on a survey study of 3 Arizona districts, the formative assessment practices that were most strongly associated with reported positive self-regulation by students – self-assessment and peer feedback – were among the assessments teachers used least.
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.
Washington Teachers Feel Culturally Responsive Practices Improve Equity
75% of Washington's Mastery-Based Learning Collaborative educators surveyed believe that implementing culturally responsive-sustaining education would improve their school’s ability to achieve equitable outcomes for students from historically marginalized yet resilient groups. 75% also thought it would improve school culture and climate.
Washington Educators See Mastery-based Learning as Key to Equity
In evaluating Washington's Mastery-Based Learning (MBL) Collaborative, 67% of educators believe that implementing MBL deeply would improve their school’s ability to achieve equitable outcomes for students from historically marginalized yet resilient groups. 63% also agreed that MBL would improve school culture and climate.
Washington Educators Personalize Learning
An evaluation of Mastery-Based Learning Collaborative schools across Washington showed many educators are providing personalization even in early stages of implementation. 70% report students often, most of the time or always receive personalized supports. 48% indicated students often can choose different ways to learn the same material.
Washington Educators Support Mastery-based Learning
Interviews for an early evaluation of the Washington Mastery-Based Learning Collaborative revealed that while time was the most commonly listed hurdle to implementation, 96% of school leaders and 72% of educators still support future implementation at deeper levels.
Innovative Schools Hold Steady on Traditional Outcome Measures
A report analyzing 251 innovative schools’ approach to documentation of impact found that in states where comparison was possible, no negative effect on traditional measures such as state test performance. It also documented the high value these schools place on outcomes that are difficult to measure like deeper learning and sense of belonging.
Learning-by-Teaching Improves Learning Across Content Areas
A meta-analysis of learning-by-teaching, a student-centered strategy for learning content, found the creation of materials to teach peers improved learning outcomes. The positive effect of 0.17 was statistically significant and held across different educational levels and content areas.