Making the Case: Compelling Data

This growing library features data points that describe the impacts and outcomes of student-centered and competency-based approaches to teaching and learning. The data is sourced from research studies, evaluation reports and journal articles, as well as evidence collected directly by classroom, school, district and state leaders using student-centered and personalized learning approaches.

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Whole Child and Relationship Building

Teachers Rank Relationships Biggest Lever for Engagement

In a natinoally representative survey, 4-12th grade teachers ranked relationship-building as the most effective way to build student engagement. 78% of the 400 surveyed selected it as a “highly effective” strategy.

Data Source

Topics: Whole Child and Relationship Building

Real-World and Career

Personalized Public Charter in Indiana Boasts High Graduation Rates

In 2022, the three campuses of Purdue Polytechnic, an individualized, project-based and career-oriented school in Indianapolis, Indiana, reported graduation rates of 83%, 86% and 100%, compared to rates closer to 79% in the rest of the district.

Data Source

School Website

Topics: Curriculum and Instruction, Real-World and Career

Family and Community Engagement

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.

Data Source

Topics: Curriculum and Instruction, Family and Community Engagement, Flexible Learning

Family and Community Engagement

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.

Data Source

Topics: Curriculum and Instruction, Family and Community Engagement

Whole Child and Relationship Building

Innovative Schools Integrate Social-Emotional Learning

According to a survey of over 250 schools known for innovative approaches, almost 75% are prioritizing relationships and wellness. Sixty-one percent reported the use of advisories, just under 50% offer one-to-one mentoring and approximately 70% offer mental health services.

Data Source

School Case Studies

Topics: Whole Child and Relationship Building

Family and Community Engagement

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.

Data Source

Topics: Curriculum and Instruction, Family and Community Engagement

Policy and Advocacy

Portfolio Model Spurs Enrollment in Indianapolis

While district enrollment decreased nationally, Indianapolis saw a 2% overall increase in 2020-21. This was fueled by a 42% increase in enrollment at Innovation Network Schools, which have more flexibility to provide personalized learning as part of the district’s portfolio strategy. During that time, enrollment in traditional schools dropped 15%

Data Source

District Website

Topics: Policy and Advocacy

Real-World and Career

Dual Enrollment Increases Nationally

A national data report showed dual enrollment in community colleges has increased by 11.5% from Fall 2021 to Fall 2022. Overall enrollment has only declined by .4%, due to the increase in dual enrollment.

Data Source

Topics: Real-World and Career

Student Agency and Voice

Relevance with Rigor Boosts Learning

In a large survey, 97% of students who reported positive experiences with relevance, rigor, customization and high expectations also indicated they learned a lot in school. In comparison, of the students who did not have positive experiences in all four areas, only 58% reported high levels of learning.

Data Source

Topics: Impact and Academic Outcomes, Student Agency and Voice

Student Agency and Voice

Fostering Student Voice Leads to Academic Growth

A network of 16 NYC schools working to better support Black and Latino youth reported academic gains after working to solicit student input and foster a culture of belonging. In 2021-22, 62% of students in the network met their growth goals on either iReady or NWEA’s Map Growth assessment, compared with a 50% national average.

Data Source

Topics: Impact and Academic Outcomes, Student Agency and Voice

Whole Child and Relationship Building

Educators Link Social-Emotional Learning to Academic Outcomes

According to a nationally representative sample, most teachers believe social emotional learning improves learning. 83% of the educators surveyed by Education Week said they feel social-emotional-learning has a positive impact on academic outcomes.

Data Source

Topics: Impact and Academic Outcomes, Whole Child and Relationship Building

Student Agency and Voice

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.

Data Source

Topics: Curriculum and Instruction, Student Agency and Voice

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Making the Case: Compelling Data

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