Dive Brief:
- The Center for Education Policy Research at Harvard University studied the impact of DreamBox Learning on math achievement for students in grades three through five, finding a positive correlation between use of the program and test scores.
- District Administration reports the adaptive learning program uses digital content to help students master mathematical concepts and continue making progress with the help of real-time, formative feedback.
- Researchers examined the scores of nearly 3,000 students in two different school districts, finding the average student who had 14 hours of DreamBox useage improved nearly 4% on NWEA MAP, PARCC and state assessments.
Dive Insight:
Adaptive learning is thought to have major potential for student achievement in this era of digital technology. Using computers, students can get individualized lessons, whether they are behind, on track or ahead of their peers. And for students who have grown up with computers, they can get this information in engaging formats that help them learn.
A major struggle for classroom teachers is differentiating instruction so all students get what they need to reach their full potential. The Harvard research about DreamBox indicates it can be a powerful tool for districts aiming to offer education at multiple levels to meet the needs of a diverse student population. And, because the research was conducted in two culturally and economically diverse districts, the findings suggest the gains are consistent across groups.