WWC review of this study

Impacts of Five Expeditionary Learning Middle Schools on Academic Achievement

Nichols-Barrer, Ira; Haimson, Joshua (2013). Mathematica Policy Research. Retrieved from: https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED618299

  • Quasi-Experimental Design
     examining 
    3,016
     Students
    , grades
    6-8

Reviewed: March 2023

At least one finding shows moderate evidence of effectiveness
At least one statistically significant positive finding
Meets WWC standards with reservations
General Mathematics Achievement outcomes—Indeterminate effect found for the domain
Outcome
measure
Comparison Period Sample Intervention
mean
Comparison
mean
Significant? Improvement
    index
Evidence
tier

Math Test Scores, Standardized

Expeditionary Learning vs. Business as usual

0 Days

Full sample.;
3,016 students

N/A

N/A

No

--
Show Supplemental Findings

Math Test Scores, Standardized

Expeditionary Learning vs. Business as usual

2 Years

Full sample.;
1,166 students

N/A

N/A

Yes

 
 
12

Math Test Scores, Standardized

Expeditionary Learning vs. Business as usual

1 Year

Full sample.;
2,148 students

N/A

N/A

Yes

 
 
4
Reading Comprehension outcomes—Statistically significant positive effect found for the domain
Outcome
measure
Comparison Period Sample Intervention
mean
Comparison
mean
Significant? Improvement
    index
Evidence
tier

Reading Test Scores, Standardized

Expeditionary Learning vs. Business as usual

0 Days

Full sample.;
3,016 students

N/A

N/A

Yes

 
 
2
 
Show Supplemental Findings

Reading Test Scores, Standardized

Expeditionary Learning vs. Business as usual

2 Years

Full sample.;
1,166 students

N/A

N/A

Yes

 
 
6

Reading Test Scores, Standardized

Expeditionary Learning vs. Business as usual

1 Year

Full sample.;
2,148 students

N/A

N/A

Yes

 
 
4


Evidence Tier rating based solely on this study. This intervention may achieve a higher tier when combined with the full body of evidence.

Characteristics of study sample as reported by study author.


  • 21% English language learners

  • Female: 51%
    Male: 49%

  • Urban
    • B
    • A
    • C
    • D
    • E
    • F
    • G
    • I
    • H
    • J
    • K
    • L
    • P
    • M
    • N
    • O
    • Q
    • R
    • S
    • V
    • U
    • T
    • W
    • X
    • Z
    • Y
    • a
    • h
    • i
    • b
    • d
    • e
    • f
    • c
    • g
    • j
    • k
    • l
    • m
    • n
    • o
    • p
    • q
    • r
    • s
    • t
    • u
    • x
    • w
    • y

    District of Columbia, New York
  • Race
    Black
    20%
    Other or unknown
    80%
  • Ethnicity
    Hispanic    
    51%
    Not Hispanic or Latino    
    49%
  • Eligible for Free and Reduced Price Lunch
    Free or reduced price lunch (FRPL)    
    71%
    No FRPL    
    29%

Setting

This study was conducted in five Expeditionary Learning charter middle schools in New York City and Washington DC.

Study sample

About half (51%) of students were identified as female. Race and ethnicity were reported as 20 percent Black and 51 percent Hispanic. About one-fifth (19%) were receiving special education services, and about one-fifth (21%) had limited English proficiency. The majority (71%) were eligible for free or reduced-price lunch.

Intervention Group

The Expeditionary Learning (EL) model includes a curriculum and professional development services, including ongoing training and coaching, for teachers and school leaders. Students go on "learning expeditions" or case studies of academic topics to conduct research projects, often with the support of teachers from different subjects. These research projects are shared with outside audiences.

Comparison Group

Comparison students were drawn from the local school districts, conducting business as usual.

Support for implementation

EL provides curriculum resources, professional development institutes in the summer and during the school year, and on-site classroom observation and coaching for teachers and school leaders.

Reviewed: January 2023

Does not meet WWC standards


Evidence Tier rating based solely on this study. This intervention may achieve a higher tier when combined with the full body of evidence.

Study sample characteristics were not reported.

Reviewed: February 2016

Meets WWC standards with reservations


Evidence Tier rating based solely on this study. This intervention may achieve a higher tier when combined with the full body of evidence.

Study sample characteristics were not reported.

Reviewed: November 2012

No statistically significant positive
findings
Meets WWC standards with reservations
Academic achievement outcomes—Indeterminate effect found for the domain
Outcome
measure
Comparison Period Sample Intervention
mean
Comparison
mean
Significant? Improvement
    index
Evidence
tier

State Mathematics Test Score

Expeditionary Learning vs. Business as usual

Posttest

Full sample;
3,016 students

N/A

N/A

Yes

 
 
0

State Reading Test Score

Expeditionary Learning vs. Business as usual

Posttest

Full sample;
3,016 students

N/A

N/A

Yes

 
 
0


Evidence Tier rating based solely on this study. This intervention may achieve a higher tier when combined with the full body of evidence.

Characteristics of study sample as reported by study author.


  • 20% English language learners

  • Female: 50%
    Male: 50%

  • Urban
    • B
    • A
    • C
    • D
    • E
    • F
    • G
    • I
    • H
    • J
    • K
    • L
    • P
    • M
    • N
    • O
    • Q
    • R
    • S
    • V
    • U
    • T
    • W
    • X
    • Z
    • Y
    • a
    • h
    • i
    • b
    • d
    • e
    • f
    • c
    • g
    • j
    • k
    • l
    • m
    • n
    • o
    • p
    • q
    • r
    • s
    • t
    • u
    • x
    • w
    • y

    District of Columbia, New York
  • Race
    Black
    20%
  • Ethnicity
    Hispanic    
    50%
    Not Hispanic or Latino    
    50%
 

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This download will include data files for study and findings review data and a data dictionary.

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