Research Snapshot

For students below grade level, consistent Zearn usage doubles learning gains

At a Glance

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Recent research shows consistent Zearn usage during pandemic learning disruptions mitigated learning loss for students at all levels of math proficiency and across district contexts. As we continue our collective work to help all students recover learning, a pressing question remains: for students for whom the opportunity gaps are widest, what approach can help them catch up and move forward?

In 2019, only 34% of eighth-grade students achieved proficiency in grade-level math.<cms-citation-text>[1]<cms-citation-text> Coupled with historic learning loss,<cms-citation-text>[2]<cms-citation-text> supporting students below standard is more urgent than ever. However, traditional curricula teach grade-level math content with the assumption that students have mastered concepts from prior grades. Zearn takes a different approach: grade-level lessons have built-in learning acceleration so students can catch up on unfinished learning in the context of grade-level math. New research shows Zearn’s approach yields significant results: students at the lowest levels of math proficiency experienced 2x growth in scores when using Zearn in addition to their core curriculum.

Across districts, students at the lowest levels of math proficiency experienced more growth when using Zearn compared to a high quality curriculum alone.

Read the full report
  1. National Achievement Level Results: Grade 8,” The Nation’s Report Card.
  2. Goldhaber, D. , Kane, T., McEachin, A., Morton E., Patterson, T., Staiger, D., (2022) The Consequences of Remoteand Hybrid Instruction During the Pandemic. Research Report. Cambridge, MA: CEPR, Harvard University.
Notes
  1. National Achievement Level Results: Grade 8,” The Nation’s Report Card.
  2. Goldhaber, D. , Kane, T., McEachin, A., Morton E., Patterson, T., Staiger, D., (2022) The Consequences of Remoteand Hybrid Instruction During the Pandemic. Research Report. Cambridge, MA: CEPR, Harvard University.
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