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
Student Choice Increases Engagement and Ownership
During interviews at a new personalized learning charter school, both teachers and students noted that student choice led to increased engagement and ownership over learning.
Virtual Schools Here to Stay
A national survey of school districts in June 2021 indicated that 50% of urban, and 25% of all districts, planned to offer a virtual school option, an increase of nine times pre-pandemic offerings.
Teachers Concerned Curriculum Not Culturally Relevant
In a national survey of teachers during the COVID pandemic, only 35% of teachers felt their curriculum was culturally relevant for the population they teach. Only 41% felt it was accessible, appropriate and engaging for all students.
Access to Technology in Elementary Grades Triples
A survey of 300 superintendents revealed the number of districts offering one-to-one initiatives in the elementary grades tripled, from 24% pre-pandemic to 71% in summer 2021. Initiatives in grades 6 to 12 rose to 83%.
Schools Foster Increased Agency During COVID
Interviews with students K-12 about virtual and hybrid school experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic revealed an increase in self-directed learning. A stronger sense of autonomy and responsibility was a common theme in the interview analysis.
Students with IEPs See Gains from Self-Paced Unit
Middle-grades English language arts students in a Texas classroom showed an average of 16% growth, from pre- to post-test, after a self-paced, mastery-based unit. Students with IEPs saw more gains, with an average of 59% pre and 94% post-test.
Content Mastery Increases with Project-Based Learning PD
A district study showed a significant number of students in each grade met local learning goals one or two of four content areas after their teachers participated in project-based learning training, compared to peers whose teachers did not.
More Autonomy Increases Elementary Reading Scores in TN
After implementing personalized learning days and increasing student ownership, a fifth grade class in Tennessee saw reading gains along with personal growth. Students reading below grade level fell from 84% to 25% over the course of the year.
Number of Districts With 1:1 Computing Device Ratio Doubled in 2020
In an EdWeek end-of-year survey the number of districts reporting at least one device per student rose from 41% before the pandemic to 94% percent in 2020, more than doubling.
Social-Emotional Learning Benefits Vulnerable Students
A study of Chicago students showed the most vulnerable students benefit the most from attending schools that focus both on academics and social-emotional learning. SEL increases graduation rates for high and low-income students, with low-income students seeing the biggest impact.
Use of Adaptive Learning Software to Personalize Learning Increased Dramatically
An EdWeek end-of-year survey shows the number of districts using adaptive learning software to personalize learning rose from 54% before the pandemic to 85% in 2020.
District Leaders Rate Social-Emotional as Important as Academic Skills
In a national survey of school counselors and district staff, 72.5 percent of district leaders indicated that building students’ social-emotional skills is as important as academic knowledge. Counselors have a critical role in delivering social-emotional learning.
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.