Latest news with #PalmettoMathProject
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Randomized Control Trial Finds Statistically Significant Gains from Littera's Virtual Math Tutoring for Middle School Students
NEW YORK, May 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- A new randomized control trial (RCT), funded by Accelerate, found that middle school students who received virtual small-group tutoring from Littera Education made statistically significant academic gains compared to peers using other intervention tools and software. The study was conducted by researchers from the University of Chicago Education Lab and MDRC as part of Accelerate's Personalized Learning Initiative, which aims to identify effective, scalable strategies to combat unfinished learning. Littera's program, which matches students with high-quality tutors in a 1:3 virtual setting, outperformed control groups across key learning metrics. The work took place in Greenville County School District 1, a 77,000-student district in South Carolina. Littera provided high-impact math tutoring services for approximately 750 students in grades 6-8 across three Title I middle schools as part of a three-arm randomized control trial with over 2,000 students participating. The 2023-2024 school year program consisted of two 10-week tutoring sprints with training, site-visits, surveys, and progress monitoring as part of the implementation. On average, students who received Littera's virtual tutoring made a statistically significant improvement of .11 standard deviations (p value=.006) as measured by an index of end-of-year math scores. This acceleration equates to approximately 32% of the math that an average middle school student learns in a school year. Of the participants, 87% were students of color and 46% were English Language Learners. "This study breaks new ground as the first large-scale randomized controlled trial to demonstrate statistically significant gains in middle grades math through virtual small-group tutoring," said Dr. Matthew Steinberg, Managing Director of Research and Evaluation at Accelerate. "These findings are a major step forward in identifying scalable, cost-effective tutoring models that can help school systems address existing and longstanding learning gaps and accelerate student progress in core academic subjects, and adds to a growing body of evidence on the promising effects of virtual tutoring." "Skilled math tutors for upper grades content are difficult to source locally at the scale necessary to address the needs of school districts," says Justin Serrano, Founder and CEO of Littera. "Demonstrating that significant results can be achieved in a small group, fully virtual format speaks to the transformative potential of high-impact tutoring." This study marks Littera's second study focused on virtual tutoring for middle school math. The first study, conducted by Brown University, compared 1:1 and small group tutoring outcomes. The current research further illustrates effectiveness with small group tutoring. Littera Education and Greenville County School District are excited to continue the collaboration this fall through South Carolina's Palmetto Math Project. Read the full study findings here. About Littera EducationLittera partners with K-12 districts to customize high-impact tutoring, designed to unlock student potential and foster success in Reading, Math and English Language Acquisition. Littera provides customized tutoring solutions to drive student outcomes. With our virtual tutors, curriculum integrations, and the Littera Tutoring Management System, schools can reach every learner with individualized support. For information, visit Contact Person:Alison Burkealisonb@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Littera Education Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Darlington County School District appoints new superintendent
DARLINGTON COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW) — The next superintendent of Darlington County School District was named by the Darlington County Board of Education at a special-called meeting Monday night. Dr. Matthew Ferguson, a Darlington County native, currently serves as the deputy superintendent and chief academic officer for the SCDE. He will assume his new role as on July 1 from outgoing Superintendent Dr. Tim Newman. Since 2023, Ferguson has been with the SCDE and led several key initiatives focused on improving academic outcomes. He also deployed the Science of Reading training for over 19,000 educators statewide, and launched the Palmetto Math Project. 'Serving at the South Carolina Department of Education has been one of the most meaningful chapters of my career,' Ferguson said. 'I've seen firsthand the dedication, expertise, and unwavering belief in every child that drives this agency, and I'm proud of what we've been able to accomplish together.' Ferguson first began his education career in Darlington County as a high school English teacher, and has previously held leadership roles such as director of personnel, district curriculum coordinator, and executive director of the education oversight committee for the district. 'Stepping into this new role is both exciting and humbling. Returning home to service the community that shaped me is deeply personal. While my job title may be changing, my commitment to the work – and to the belief that every child deserves a great education – remains as strong as ever.' 'The Board recognized that we have an unusual opportunity with perfect timing,' Wanda Hassler, chair of the Darlington County Board of Education, said. 'This was our chance to fill the superintendent's role with a highly qualified Darlington County native with extensive education and leadership experience at both DSDC and the state levels.' State Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver said, 'While our SCDE family will dearly miss Matthew and his tireless work ethic and expertise, we know this is an exciting new pathway to expand our shared mission to build a bright education future for students in every corner of our state. The students, parents, and educators of Darlington County have gained a fierce and committed champion in their new Superintendent. I can promise them that no one will work harder on their behalf.' Dr. Ferguson and his wife, Kylie, have four children and look forward to them attending and thriving in Darlington County Schools. The district will host a series of community meet-and-greet events in the coming weeks to give families, staff, and community members the opportunity to connect with the new superintendent. * * * Jordan White is a Digital Producer at News13. She joined the News13 team in August 2024. Jordan, a Myrtle Beach native, graduated from St. James High School in Murrells Inlet and is a graduate of Coker University. Follow Jordan on Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and read more of her work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
