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
Search Data
Community Connections in Oakland Prepare Students for Future
Students at Latitude High prepare for careers through real-world projects, career exploration and Extended Learning Opportunities in the Oakland Community. Despite disruptions from COVID, 44% completed outside internships in 2022. And 92% reported feeling prepared for the future on a XQ Institute survey of seniors.
Collaborative Project-based Learning Prepares Students for Future
A 2022 survey showed 97% of students felt prepared for the future after attending Iowa BIG, a program where students design community-based projects while also enrolled in their home school. 90% credited the collaboration skills gained there as a key reason.
Project-based Learning Supports Traditionally Underserved Students at IN STEM School
Black, Latino and low-income students at Purdue Polytechnic High Schools, a IN network committed to individualized project-based learning to increase students attending college in STEM fields, were more likely to pass state exams than their peers in the district. All these groups had passing rates 4 times others in Indianapolis Public Schools.
Project-based School in IN Outperforms District
Students at Purdue Polytechnic High Schools, a network in Indianapolis committed to individualized project-based learning to increase students attending college in STEM fields, performed better on state assessments than other district students. In 2021, 11th graders were four times as likely to pass both the math and ELA sections (34% vs. 8%).
Community Connections Bring High Graduation Rates in TN School
In 2022, Elizabethton High, a school in rural TN transforming through project-based learning and community-connections, had a 93% graduation rate, 10% higher than other high schools in their county. This included students from low-income families and students with disabilities.
Partnership in Meaningful Research Bolsters Student Agency
A Vermont high school teacher’s dissertation showed students exhibited higher levels of agency after participation in a Youth Action Research Project. They reported they felt heard, effectively represented other students and contributed to meaningful change. They could describe the impact of growing adult-student partnerships on their agency.
California Personalized Learning Charters Thrive in Pandemic
A CA public charter network focused on personalized learning pivoted quickly, supporting student growth through the pandemic. The number of network students meeting state standards increased from 47% in 2018-19 to 49% in 2021-22 in ELA and from 29% to 31% in math. Meanwhile, district students meeting standards decreased 4% in ELA and 6% in math.
Collective Educator Agency Decreases Academic Gaps
In the AVID program a collective sense of efficacy leads teachers to insist on rigor, remove barriers, align work and advocate for students; improving learning; and decreasing academic gaps between groups. 2020 college enrollment of AVID students varies by only 1% for black, Hispanic and white students, compared to a 10% difference nation-wide.
Rural School Delivers Most Industry Credentials in State
A rural school in Kansas offers courses leading to recognized professional credentials for students in fields key to revitalizing the community's economy. In 2019 students earned the most web design and web and mobile application industry certifications of all schools in Kansas regardless of their location.
Mastery-Based Texas Charter Closes Learning Gaps
When a public charter school in Austin, Texas, moved to competency-based, personalized learning they saw improved results for all students. The school earned 96 out of 100 points for student achievement and 100 out of 100 for closing achievement gaps on the 2018-2019 Texas state report card.
Personalized Public Charter in Indiana Boasts High Graduation Rates
In 2022, the three campuses of Purdue Polytechnic, an individualized, project-based and career-oriented school in Indianapolis, Indiana, reported graduation rates of 83%, 86% and 100%, compared to rates closer to 79% in the rest of the district.
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.
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.
Stay Connected
Subscribe to receive email updates including expert insights, success stories and resources.