A closer look at math and science programs yields mixed results

New reports from the What Works Clearinghouse review the research on three programs designed to improve student achievement in math and science: Peer-Assisted Learning Strategies, Carnegie Learning Curricula and Cognitive Tutor, and Great Explorations in Math and Science (GEMS) The Real Reasons for Seasons. Findings were as follows:

• Peer-Assisted Learning Strategies, a peer-tutoring program for grades K-6 that aims to improve student proficiency in math and other disciplines, was found to have no discernible effects on mathematics achievement for elementary school students.
• Carnegie Learning Curricula and Cognitive Tutor, a secondary math curricula that offers textbooks and interactive software to provide individualized, self-paced instruction based on student needs, was found to have mixed effects on mathematics achievement for high school students.
• GEMS The Real Reasons for Seasons, a curriculum unit for grades 6-8 that focuses on the connections between the Sun and the Earth to teach students the scientific concepts behind the seasons, was found to havepotentially negative effects on general science achievement for middle school students.