Evidence of Deeper Learning Outcomes

Posted by American Institutes of Research on October 13, 2014

The many benefits of deeper learning

The American Institutes of Research (AIR) has published the third of three reports from its study of Deeper Learning, which employs strategies and resources that help students master core academic content — reading, mathematics, and science — while developing the ability to think critically and work effectively with others. Researchers examined selected high schools in California and New York associated with 10 established deeper learning networks; the schools serve a diverse and traditionally underserved group of students, including substantial numbers in poverty, in some cases English language learners. The study finds that on average, students attending network schools achieved higher scores on the OECD PISA-Based Test for Schools — which assesses core content knowledge and complex problem-solving skills — than did similar students attending non-network schools. Students in network schools also reported more positive interpersonal and intrapersonal outcomes, and were more likely to graduate from high school within four years. Students in both network and non-network schools had similar rates of post-secondary enrollment, but those in network schools were more likely to enroll in four-year and selective institutions. Attending a network school had similar benefits for students entering with low achievement and those entering with high achievement, particularly for test score and graduation outcomes. Attending a network school increased the postsecondary enrollment of students entering with low achievement, but had little effect on those entering with high achievement.

http://www.air.org/sites/default/files/downloads/report/Report_3_Evidence_of_Deeper_Learning_Outcomes.pdf