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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Teachers Report Student Choice Boosts Engagement
In a national survey of 8,000 educators, 70% said students were both more engaged and retained information better during learning activities when the students chose the activities themselves based on interests.
Black and Latino Students Underrepresented in Dual Enrollment
While overall participation in dual enrollment programs is up in California, a study revealed equity concerns. Compared with overall school enrollment, 59 of 72 districts had a lower percentage of Latino students, and 52 had a lower percentage of Black high school students in these programs.
Students Want Self-Directed Learning Post-Pandemic
In a nationally representative sample of 1,000 8-12th grade students surveyed after the 2021-22 school year, 53% want self-paced student learning to continue after the pandemic.
Students Have Higher Attendance When Student Voice Valued
An analysis of surveys from 12,000 Chicago ninth graders showed students who reported their school leaders and teachers were responsive to student voice had higher attendance rates. Students at schools ranked the most responsive missed 6.1% of school days compared to 7% at the least responsive.
Responsiveness to Student Voice Leads to Higher GPAs
Survey data for 12,000 Chicago ninth graders was analyzed to rank schools on teachers’ and leaders’ responsiveness to student concerns. In schools ranked in the top 10 percent for responsiveness, students had higher GPAs: an average of 2.85 compared to 2.65 in schools with the lowest rankings.
Teacher Cooperation Leads to Reading Gains at NH Elementary
Using a collaborative teaching approach to personalize reading supports, New Hampshire elementary school teachers in a competency-based school found 86% of kindergartners were reading at grade-level at the end of they year, compared with 56% at the start.
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.
Personalized Learning Bolsters Academic Confidence
In a qualitative study of a new personalized learning charter school, teachers and students reported on the importance of building a culture of engagement and positive relationships to foster academic confidence.
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.
Integrated Technology Systems One Factor in Success of Personalized Learning
In a study of student-centered schools, those with higher-performance had technology systems that were better integrated to support learning with an average of 2.60 versus 1.83 functions including record keeping, planning, instruction and assessment.
Real-World Learning Leads to Higher Graduation Rates
Arizona Maricopa High School principal credits student-centered practices like real-word application and post-secondary planning for higher graduation rates of students with a CTE concentration: 91% compared to 71.9% for students in traditional courses and the 81% state average.
Post-COVID, Teachers Value Schedule that Supports Deeper Learning
In feedback sessions, middle and high school teachers indicated they wished to continue COVID-related schedule changes in which students took only three courses at a time. They reported this change led to more depth of coverage and reduced workload for both students and teachers.
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.