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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Parents Want More Flexible Learning Post-Pandemic
In a survey of 6,000 parents about post-pandemic teaching and learning, 40% wanted their children learning at multiple sites, compared to 37% who preferred learning in a traditional classroom exclusively.
Parents Look For Small Learning Environments Post-COVID-19 Pandemic
In a survey of 6,000 parents about post-pandemic teaching and learning, 59% wanted their kids learning in groups of 10 or fewer, compared to only 20% who preferred traditional large group instruction.
Parental Interest in Student-Centered Environments Increases Post-Pandemic
In a large 2022 survey, 33% of parents reported the COVID-19 pandemic increased interest in a fluid daily schedule driven by student needs, 34% in virtual learning and 43% in small learning groups. Surveyors concluded this reflects concerns over academic quality in traditional schools, a driving force in decreased public K-12 enrollment.
Relevance Increases Engagement and Focus in New England Schools
In interviews, educators at several New England high schools implementing student-centered learning practices reported students were more engaged and focused on their work when learning felt relevant because they had a say in the choice of content and methods of learning.
Students Want Self-Directed Learning Post-Pandemic
In a nationally representative sample of 1,000 8-12th grade students surveyed after the 2021-22 school year, 53% want self-paced student learning to continue after the pandemic.
Personalized Learning Bolsters Academic Confidence
In a qualitative study of a new personalized learning charter school, teachers and students reported on the importance of building a culture of engagement and positive relationships to foster academic confidence.
Integrated Technology Systems One Factor in Success of Personalized Learning
In a study of student-centered schools, those with higher-performance had technology systems that were better integrated to support learning with an average of 2.60 versus 1.83 functions including record keeping, planning, instruction and assessment.
Post-COVID, Teachers Value Schedule that Supports Deeper Learning
In feedback sessions, middle and high school teachers indicated they wished to continue COVID-related schedule changes in which students took only three courses at a time. They reported this change led to more depth of coverage and reduced workload for both students and teachers.
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.
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.
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.
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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.