Principal Investigator
Christopher Harris – WestEd; Mingyu Feng – WestEd
Project Description
This study evaluates the impact of OpenSciEd, an open-source, Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)-aligned science curriculum paired with professional learning, on fifth grade student outcomes. Using a quasi-experimental design, the study will compare students in approximately 20 treatment schools using OpenSciEd and 40 matched comparison schools. It will examine impacts on science achievement, English language arts (ELA) achievement, and student motivation toward science learning. The research will also investigate implementation conditions, barriers, and supports associated with stronger outcomes.
Research Questions
- What is the impact of OpenSciEd K-5 on fifth grade student science and ELA achievement?
- What is the impact of OpenSciEd on student motivation toward science learning?
- How do impacts vary across key subgroups, such as prior achievement, English learner status, and student demographics?
- What are the barriers and facilitators to implementation, and to what extent do implementation conditions correlate with impacts?
