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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ND Personalized, Competency-based Schools Prepare Students for College and Career
A five-year evaluation showed 12th graders in the North Dakota Personalized, Competency-Based Learning Initiative were as prepared or more so for college and career as students from matched comparison traditional schools. In 2022-23 personalized schools reported same or higher rates for state-defined military, workforce and post-secondary readiness
Whole Child Schools in DC Rate High in SEL
Students at the five DC elementary schools in the Whole-Child Collaborative’s pilot cohort saw statistically significant increases after a year implementing the student well-being model (2019-2020) in each of the Social-emotional Learning (SEL) competencies measured on the Panorama SEL Assessment. These included self-efficacy, social awareness, p
Students with Disabilities Thrive with Personalization in Atlanta
Tapestry Public Charter School, catering mainly to students with IEPs and/or 504 plans, achieved a 100% graduation rate for students with disabilities in 2020-2021, despite pandemic challenges. In 2018-2019, 90% of such students graduated, compared to 46.4% in the district, and in 2019-20, it was 80% compared to 54.6%.
Personalization Leads to High Attendance Despite Pandemic
The 2019-2020 attendance at Tapestry Public Charter School, which serves a majority of students receiving interventions and specialized supports in a personalized environment, was higher than district and state levels despite remote schooling. In 2020-21 middle school attendance rose to 97.46% (up 5%) and in high school it rose to 96% (up 7%).
Internships Boost Students’ Confidence in Meta-Cognitive Skills
In interviews at three student-centered schools, 10 of 17 students reported growth in meta-cognitive skills like time management and self-regulation, needed for college and career-readiness.
Charters Using Performance Assessments See Greater Student Growth
Students attending Envision Schools, a network of California charter schools committed to performance assessment, college readiness and project-based learning, gained the equivalent of 66 additional days of learning in reading and 20 days of learning in math, compared to a matched group of students at traditional public schools.
Project-Based Science Increases Scores in ELA
A study of a middle school project-based science curriculum showed on average students performed higher than a matched comparison group on state English Language Arts (ELA) assessments by eight percentage points in year two and ten in year three.
Project-Based Science Increases Scores in Math
A study of a middle school project-based science curriculum showed on average students performed higher than a matched comparison group on state math assessments by 12 percentage points in year two and 18 percentage points in year three.
Student-centered Instruction Builds Feelings of College Readiness
Students at three student-centered, career-focused schools reported development of personal and social skills needed for career and college-readiness. Of 17 students interviewed, 15 (88%) noted instructional practices like advisory, autobiography writing and presentations fostered the self-awareness, confidence and communication needed for college.
Internships Boost Students’ Confidence in Interpersonal Skills
In interviews at three student-centered schools, 14 of 17 students reported growth in interpersonal skills like communication and social networking, needed for college and career-readiness.
States Support Personalization Through Assessment Policies
A review of state policies found at least 25 states allow students to satisfy graduation requirements, and 39 states and D.C. let students receive course credit using student-centered assessment options.
More Schools Move from Traditional Transcripts to Learner Credentials
This brief outlines work to support schools moving from traditional transcripts to competency-based learner credentials. The MTC Learning Record is now used in more than 400 partner schools, tripling participation from 2019 to 2021. International Big Picture Learning Credential now has 150 students in its second U.S. pilot year.
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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.