This quantitative, causal comparative study analyzed the effect of participation in a blended learning program has on the STAAR Mathematics and Reading Language Arts assessments for fifth grade students in a large, urban school district in North Texas. The study evaluated the performance of fifth graders on the STAAR assessment in mathematics…

This brief highlights Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District's 2021-2022 implementation of "My Math Academy" with kindergarteners across 16 elementary schools. The district started using the program with pre-kindergarteners in school year 2020-2021, and upon seeing 98 percent of pre-kindergarteners end the school year on…

We conducted a randomized control trial assessing the effects of two variants of word-problem intervention with third graders (n = 304) experiencing mathematics difficulty. Students were assigned to a business-as-usual condition (BaU) or one of two variants of word-problem intervention. One variant included a pre-algebraic reasoning component…

A fundamental question for education policy is whether outcomes-based accountability including comprehensive educator evaluations and a closer relationship between effectiveness and compensation improves the quality of instruction and raises achievement. We use synthetic control methods to study the comprehensive teacher and principal evaluation…

Lesson study, especially when conducted with support from targeted resources, is often identified as a potentially effective means to support teacher learning. In this study, 80 school-based teams of educators, representing 80 classrooms of third- or fourth-grade students in the US, were randomly assigned to one of four conditions: lesson study…

With high stakes testing in public schools, pressure for success prompts schools to implement intervention programs for reading and mathematics, often at the expense of extra-curricular and elective activities. Previous literature indicated a correlation between reading comprehension and mathematical understanding. This study examined the specific…

Overwhelming evidence supports the fact that music instruction greatly increases academic achievement on standardized test scores at the elementary, middle and high school level. When school districts face budget deficits, typically they alleviate the shortfall by eliminating music programs. Currently in Dallas ISD, teacher salaries are affected…

Special Education teachers serve students who are struggling in mathematics and continue to fall further behind each year. Educators are faced with the challenge of selecting the most effective program for assessing and teaching mathematics that will promote mathematics achievement for students who are served in resource settings. The KeyMath-3…

Responsive coaching at engage2learn is an innovative and evidence-based solution. This 2022-2023 study, paired with previous reports, compellingly validates the efficacy of the engage2learn program by exploring end-of-year STAAR test performance for Math and Science among Grades 6-8. LXD Research, an independent research firm, analyzed educator…

The purpose of this study was to determine the impacts of a specific accelerated learning program on STAAR Algebra I End of Course exam scores for students who had previously failed the exam. The accelerated learning program, titled STAAR Acceleration, was intended to help students who had experienced school closures because of COVID-19 improve…

The purpose of this study was to determine the Leader in Me's effectiveness as an influence on academic achievement in reading and mathematics for elementary students in a school district in Central Texas. The Reading and Mathematics State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) scores of 748 first-graders provided data to determine if…

In the pursuit of continuous improvement in education and closing the achievement gap, educators are experimenting with different environments that will assist students in increasing academic achievement. The media bombards Americans with news about the failing educational system that is being outperformed by counterparts around the world. In this…

Responsive coaching at engage2learn is an innovative, and with this and previous reports--an evidence-based solution. This 2021-2022 study compellingly validates the efficacy of the engage2learn program through an exploration of NWEA MAP® Growth™ and STAAR test scores for Math and Science, Grades 6-8. LXD Research, an independent research firm,…

This quantitative study examines the relationship between implementation of the 21st Century Afterschool Centers on Education (ACE) program and fourth grade student performance on the State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR). Data collection was extracted from schools within South Texas. The campus variation chosen for this study…

This study was designed to evaluate a teacher-focused professional development program intended to provide educators with tools needed to combat mathematics learning loss created by the COVID-19 pandemic and the continued disruptions to learning that followed. This project-based dissertation-in-practice surveyed 23 secondary math teachers and…