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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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.聽
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鈥 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.
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