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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Project-Based Learning Improves Collaboration
In a study investigating the student-level impacts of high quality project-based activities, teacher evaluation determined that 71% of students demonstrated proficient or above in collaboration skills.
Project-Based Learning Supports Self-Direction
In a study investigating the student-level impacts of high quality project-based activities, 83% of students demonstrated proficient or above skills in self-direction. These skills included managing time and workflow.
Project-Based Learning Increases Knowledge Transference
In a study investigating the student-level impacts of high quality project-based activities 62% of students performed proficient or higher on a performance assessment requiring them to transfer knowledge to a new situation.
Matching Lessons By Performance Level Produces Larger Gains
In comparing students’ content gaps to MAP gains, schools with a smaller content gap — those where math lessons better matched students’ actual performance levels (as opposed to their grade-levels) tended to see greater gains.
Accountability Systems Focused on Growth Promote Academic Performance
Performance in schools with accountability systems that focused on state grade-level proficiency grew 7 percentile points, while those that operated under accountability systems that rewarded student growth (and prioritized individual student needs) grew 38 percentile points.
Relationships Build Foundation for Successful Personalization
According to research report findings from City Year, prioritizing trust and strong relationships is the foundation for successful personalization.
Strong Relationships Foster Engagement
According to a City Year research report, AmeriCorps members leaning into the practice of building strong developmental relationships was critical for maintaining student engagement.
Project-Based Learning Brings Achievement Gains in Low Income Schools
Project-Based Learning led to a 63% gain in social studies for students in low-income schools as compared with students in higher-income schools. That translates to five to six months of increased learning for the year.
Project-Based Learning Increases Achievement in Elementary
On average, in a study of 46 schools in Michigan, third graders participating in a project-based science curriculum performed eight percentage points better on the state science assessment as compared with students in the control group classrooms. The positive effect held across schools with different racial and ethnic makeup and household-incomes.
Project-based Learning Boosts Student Engagement
In the second year of study of a 6th-grade project-based science curriculum; students scored higher than a matched comparison group on pre- and post-assessments measuring engagement in science practices. Students using the curriculum also reported classroom assignments were more interesting, challenging, worthwhile and enjoyable.
Project-Based Learning Increases Achievement in AP Courses
Findings from the first year of the Knowledge in Action project-based learning approach revealed an increase in the likelihood of earning a score of three or higher on the AP U.S. Government or AP Environmental Science test by about eight percentage points.
Clarity of Learning Targets Positively Impacts Student Learning
Several student learning capacities (e.g., intrinsic motivation, utility of math/ELA; locus of control, self-management and preparation for courses) were perceived by educators as positively impacted by increased clarity of learning targets in a competency-based system.
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.