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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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.
Affordability Creates Barrier to Students’ Internet Connectivity at Home
A national study indicates two thirds of families without the internet connectivity needed for hybrid learning at home have access to broadband but can not afford service. Low-income, Black and Latinx families are disproportionately impacted.
Race, Ethnicity and Income Continue to Impact Students’ Access to Broadband
A study of broadband internet access data reveals that racial segregation based on historical housing policies still impacts students' access to internet and learning at home.
Social-Emotional Factors Play a Role in Student Engagement
The top five factors influencing student engagement all focus on the whole child. Creativity and self-expression was ranked highest, with 85% indicating a positive impact on engagement. Whole child factors ranked higher than factors like academic growth.
Tailoring Learning to Student Interest Increases Motivation
In a study of differences in teacher practice and technology use in student-centered schools, high-performing schools more frequently included students’ career goals and interests in personalized learning plans, increasing student motivation. The difference was statistically significant.
Personalized Learning Increases Achievement Measured by Standardized Tests
A study of high and low performing student-centered schools showed when personalized learning is implemented thoroughly, higher test scores result.
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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.