Grantee: Zearn
Study Type: Quasi-experimental
Principal Investigator: Nathan Storey – Johns Hopkins University School of Education
Project Description: This study used propensity score matching to understand the impacts of using the Zearn Math Supplemental relative to not using Zearn (Comparison Group 1); using Zearn Supplemental with and without implementation support (i.e., professional development, training, coaching; Comparison Group 2); and comparing Zearn Supplemental users with “intended” Zearn users (Comparison Group 3). Multi-level propensity score matching was conducted in two rounds, with schools first matched within districts and then students within schools matched across districts.
Key Findings: Quantitative impact analyses showed a statistically significant effect size of 0.20 SD on the LEAP mathematics assessment for Zearn Supplemental users compared to non-Zearn user students (Comparison Group 1). Students using Zearn Supplemental with implementation support had a statistically significant effect of 0.23 SD on the LEAP mathematics assessment compared to students in Zearn districts without support (Comparison Group 2). There were no differential effects by student characteristics in analyses related to Comparison Group 1 or 2. A positive but not statistically significant impact (0.09 SD) was seen in Comparison Group 3 between Zearn Supplemental users and Zearn-identified intended users, with larger effects for Black, Latino, and White students than students from other racial/ethnic groups. Exploratory analyses related to usage revealed that students who completed more on-grade-level lessons showed higher math achievement at endline, regardless of their treatment group.
Study Citation: Storey, N. S., & Neitzel, A. J. (2025). Evaluation of Zearn Supplemental with dedicated implementation support. Center for Research and Reform in Education, The Johns Hopkins University.
Full report here.
The Key Findings above were reproduced from the published report and do not necessarily reflect interpretation of Overdeck Family Foundation staff.
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