Evidence for ESSA: DreamBox Math
A summary of why DreamBox Math has achieved a rating of Strong by the ESSA along with Tier I, II, III, and IV certifications
Key findings
- • DreamBox received a ‘Strong’ ESSA rating, as well as a badge for having two randomised studies with significant positive results.
- • Students using DreamBox Learning gained significantly higher test results than control students.
- • Students using DreamBox significantly outperformed control students on the Number Knowledge Test.
What is the ESSA?
The ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act) is the main education law in public schools in the United States. The ESSA ensures that all public schools provide a quality education for all children, including disadvantaged students and those with SEN (Special Educational Needs).
Study details
Over the past several years, Discovery Education has partnered with third-party research organizations, expert data scientists, and education researchers to analyze the efficacy of DreamBox Math on K–8 students nationwide. The rich data set utilized in this project includes students using DreamBox Math in class, at home, during accelerated programs, for intervention, and for practice.
Researchers applied a variety of methodologies to explore diverse data for students from different-sized districts, in unique parts of the nation, and facing varying learning challenges. Through the execution of these studies, researchers found that students using DreamBox Math achieved higher proficiency in math when compared to students who did not.
In the most recent correlative study conducted in the Pinellas County Schools, usage of Dreambox Math showed statistically significant impact on math achievement. In this study, students who used DreamBox Math for the recommended amount of time scored 9.9 percentile points higher on NWEA’s MAP assessment than those that did not use DreamBox Math.
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*Based on Discovery Education study
Additional findings
Third party research on DreamBox Math found that:
- Students in need of intervention are more likely to meet or exceed learning goals with DreamBox Math.
- DreamBox Math meets learners where they are and personalizes instruction for students who need extra help and students who are thriving.
- English language learners benefit significantly from the unique approach DreamBox Math uses to support Spanish-speaking students.
- DreamBox Math’s flexibility allows students meet math goals while learning at home or in school.
- Data indicates that historically underserved students using the program demonstrate the same level of growth as other student populations.
- DreamBox Math works for students in every grade level, even middle school.
Summary of outcomes
The impact of DreamBox Math has been examined in two randomized studies.
In the first study, students who used DreamBox Learning gained significantly more than control students on the Measurement and Geometry subtest of the NWEA MAP and scored higher on the test overall.
The second study took place in schools across North Carolina in grades K-2 and 4-5. On the Number Knowledge Test, K-2 students in schools using DreamBox significantly outperformed control students.
We're not just ESSA approved – teachers love us too!
Relevant studies
Lenard, M., & Rhea, A. (2019). Adaptive Math and Student Achievement: Evidence from a Randomized Controlled Trial of DreamBox Learning. Paper presented ar the annual meeting of the SREE, Washington, DC.
Wang, H., & Woodworth, K. (2011a). Evaluation of Rocketship Education’s use of DreamBox Learning’s online mathematics program. Menlo Park, CA: SRI International.
Wang, H., & Woodworth, K. (2011b). A randomized controlled trial of two online mathematics curricula. SREE fall 2011 conference.
