Educational Strategies and Academic Gains

Issues:

-         Many youth are significantly behind academically but don’t have access to coursework that fits their skill level

-          Only High School level courses are offered.

-          Vocational instruction is offered. But without basic math and reading skills, youth have difficulty meeting vocational goals or obtaining employment.

        Example profile at one male residential program

-          Mean ELA Grade Level: 3.7

-          Mean Math Grade Level: 2.4

-          Teachers are tasked with having to teach a classroom made up of youth with a variety of skill levels because they are grouped by dorm or behavior concerns rather than academic ability.

-          Without the basic foundations of math and reading, subsequent coursework becomes more difficult

 Solution: Data Driven Education Model

-          Utilize precision teaching methods to increase the rate of learning for students who are behind.

-          Use advanced data analytics (i.e., micro, meso, macro, meta analysis) to pinpoint deficiencies and create an environment that supports outcome-based learning.

-          Train and coach teachers to utilize differentiated instruction techniques in programs where they are teaching large groups of students of all different abilities.

             Student 1 Example:

            - 18 year old male at residential program:

             - Baseline rate = 25 math facts per minute x1.1 learning rate

            - Fluency instruction 4-5xs per week: 70 math fact per minute.

            - Accelerated learning rate by more than x2

                        Typical “good student’s” average rate of learning is 1.4

                        At this rate this student would make up 2 grade levels worth of learning with this intervention