With support from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, researchers and experts in mathematics education developed the Mathematics Design Collaborative (MDC) as a strategy to support the transition to Common Core State Standards in math. MDC provides short formative assessment lessons known as Classroom Challenges for use in middle and high school math classrooms. UCLA CRESST's study of ninth-grade Algebra 1 classrooms in Kentucky implementing MDC showed strong support from teachers for the intervention and a statistically significant positive impact on student scores on the PLAN Algebra assessment, as compared to similar students statewide in Kentucky. The following are appended: (1) MDC Instruments and Rubrics, (2) MDC Teacher Log Descriptives; (3) MDC Teacher Survey Descriptives; (4) Analysis of MDC Student Work Artifacts; and (5) Quasi-Experimental Analysis of MDC Effects.

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation invested in the Literacy Design Collaborative (LDC) as one strategy to support teachers' and students' transition to the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) in English language arts. This report provides an early look at the implementation of LDC in sixth-grade Advanced Reading classes in a large Florida district, and the effectiveness of the intervention in this setting. The study found that teachers understood LDC and implemented it with fidelity and that curriculum modules were well crafted. Teachers also generally reported positive attitudes about the effectiveness of LDC and its usefulness as a tool for teaching CCSS skills. Although implementation results were highly positive, quasi-experimental analyses employing matched control group and regression discontinuity designs found no evidence of an impact of LDC on student performance on state reading or district writing assessments. Furthermore, students generally performed at basic levels on assessments designed to align with the intervention, suggesting the challenge of meeting CCSS expectations. Exploratory analyses suggest that LDC may have been most effective for higher achieving students. However understandable, the findings thus suggest that, in the absence of additional scaffolding and supports for low-achieving students, LDC may be gap enhancing. Two appendices are included: (1) LDC Instruments and Rubrics; and (2) Summary Report: Developing an Assignment Measure to Assess Quality of LDC Modules (Abby Reisman, Joan Herman, Rebecca Luskin, and Scott Epstein).

The purpose of these case studies was to examine the ways technology and professional development supported the use of the SimScientists assessment systems. Qualitative research methodology was used to provide narrative descriptions of six classes implementing simulation-based assessments for either the topic of Ecosystems or Atoms and Molecules. Results revealed both strengths and weaknesses concerning technology support for the assessments, as well as technology and professional development support of the teachers. Furthermore, recommendations are provided concerning potential improvements to the assessments, reflection activities, and professional development. (Contains 14 tables, 8 figures and 1 footnote.).

Kentucky has been a leader in the movement to more rigorous college and career ready standards to support their students' success in the 21st century. Kentucky was the first state to adopt new college and career ready standards (CCRS)--termed the Kentucky Core Academic Standards. Many of Kentucky's districts have moved proactively and strategically to meet the challenge of more rigorous expectations, and to facilitate educators' and students' transition to the new demands. All students are to be on a trajectory to graduate high school, and should be prepared for college and career success. Basic skills have given way to goals for deeper learning, where students are expected to apply, reason with, communicate, and use their knowledge to solve complex problems. This brief summarizes early evidence on the success of two tools Kentucky districts have used to support their teachers' transition to these more demanding goals: Literacy Design Collaborative (LDC), and Math Design Collaborative (MDC). LDC and MDC tools have been designed and implemented to embody the key shifts in teaching and learning that the new standards demand. Teachers engage in new pedagogy, and address relevant learning goals of the Kentucky Core Academic Standards through the implementation of these tools. A brief background on the two tools and the evaluation methodology are provided, as well as the findings for each intervention and the implications of findings across the two studies. The study is based on a limited sample of schools and teachers in select subjects and grade levels who participated in the piloting of the tools. These included eighth grade social studies/history and science teachers, and ninth grade Algebra 1 teachers who initiated their tool use during the 2010-11 or 2011-12 school years. Study results are based on data from the 2012-2013 school year.

After school programs offer an important avenue for supplementing educational opportunities. In California, the After School Education and Safety (ASES) program creates incentives for locally driven after school programs to partner with schools and communities in providing academic support and safe, constructive alternatives for elementary and middle school students. This paper presents findings from Year 2 of a four-year longitudinal study describing the statewide landscape of the California ASES programs. It examines the effectiveness and efficiencies of these programs in recruiting and retaining students at risk and in increasing their academic successes as indicated by California Standardized Test scores, youth development outcomes, and the English learners' California English Language Development Test scores. Appendices include: (1) Summary of Data Sources and Profiles of Student Characteristics (Chapter III); and (2) Student and School Characteristics (Chapter IV). (Contains 75 tables, 7 figures and 7 footnotes.).