What are the average learning gains and pupil growth attributable to teaching a curriculum based on state standards in the 6th grade technology education classes at Shattuck Middle School

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to find out the extent to which the existing curriculum and teaching strategies being followed in the sixth grade at Shattuck Middle School meet the State Academic Standards and objectives for technology education. The main objective of the study was to quantify the amount of learning that took place in regard to the standards after an introductory quarter year class of technology education. A 10 question multiple choice test was designed against the state technology education standards. Students were assessed using a pre-post test design. The Index of Pupil Growth (IPG) was used as the metric of analysis. This metric has a value from –100 to +100%. An achievement of learning gain through the use of the IPG of 10% or better is considered to be satisfactory. Across the six classes the average IPG was 16.94% and ranged from 3.91 to 36.60%. When applying the 10% standard to individual student performance 46%to 76% of the students in each class section were meeting the standard. Overall 57% of the students met or exceeded the standard. From the results it appears that the curriculum and instructional methods being followed are adequately meeting the needs of the majority of students. Recommendations on how these results can be used to improve student and teacher performance are offered as well as the issues related to assessing student performance.