Research Teams to Explore and Scale Tech-Supported Learning Approaches

• By Rhea Kelly
• 11/07/24

A new network of technology, school systems, and researchers is forming to "better understand and scale innovative learning acceleration approaches" and improve student outcomes. The effort, led by nonprofit The Learning Accelerator (TLA) and research partner Mathematica, is taking aim at "unfinished learning," the general loss of knowledge and skills commonly attributed to pandemic learning loss.

As part of TLA's Exponential Learning Initiative, 10 teams will receive $150,000 unrestricted grants, evaluation, and networked support during the 2024-2025 school year, to "advance adoption and develop evidence at scale of hybrid and virtual learning strategies with demonstrated early-stage impact." Areas of focus range from AI-powered project-based learning tools, to math practice tools, to dual credit and microschool models. Grantees include:

• ASU Preparatory Academy;
• Building 21;
• Coursemojo;
• LEAP Innovations;
• Lab School of Memphis;
• Magpie Literacy;
• MindPrint Learning;
• PowerMyLearning;
• Rock by Rock; and
• The University of Kentucky Center for Next Generation Leadership.

"Efforts to address unfinished learning have primarily focused on adding tutoring support around existing teaching and learning structures. As we enter this next phase of national response, it's critical we look towards expanding our toolkit to include models that accelerate learning at the center of the student experience and that leverage technology effectively to improve quality, consistency, and sustainability," explained Dr. Beth Rabbitt, TLA chief executive officer, in a statement. "It's also clear that we need to generate rigorous qualitative and quantitative evidence as we go to inform present and future implementations. We believe these initial grantees will be strong partners in helping us better understand what's working and what's not, for whom, and under which conditions."

"Magpie is on a multiyear journey to unlock the great reader in all students through the creation of our nation's first K-8 comprehensive, research-backed digital literacy platform," commented Leo Bialis-White, chief strategy officer for Magpie Literacy. "This year, alongside TLA and a cohort of innovators, we are taking a meaningful leap toward that vision by bolstering scale and efficacy efforts to launch truly instructionally precise tools that align to the needs of K-12 classrooms across the country."

"We're really excited to scale our AI-powered math tool, Digit, for Algebra 1 students, designed to give teachers useful data to help them make quick decisions that can really boost student learning, said Megan Grothman, director of Arizona Impact, ASU Prep Academy. "The networked learning opportunity excites us as well, as it offers a unique platform to exchange insights on scaling and implementing research-driven educational technology across diverse classrooms."

Ultimately, TLA and its partners hope to provide "a roadmap for how states can generate more learner-centered policies and practices while also planning for more flexible learning models for the future," the organization said.