Skill by Skill: Improve State Test Scores with Exact Path

A correlational study examined the relationship of Exact Path and the Virginia Standards of Learning Growth Assessment in Norfolk, Virginia. In grades 3-8, on average, students who used Exact Path math showed positive gains on their state test scores controlling for prior achievement and demographic characteristics. In fact, this study found that in Virginia for every 1 math skill completed in Exact Path, students could gain at least 1 point (and up to 1.6 points) on their state test score.

Additionally, the percentage of students who completed the recommended number of skills in Exact Path and who moved up a SOL performance level was higher in every grade than the percentage of students who completed fewer skills. For example, 20% of fourth graders who completed 16 or more skills in a year moved up a performance level on their math state test. This study provides further evidence that completing skills at the recommended dosage had a positive effect on students’ VA SOL assessment achievement.

Third-party validation through LearnPlatform confirms this study meets the standards in the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) aligning with Level III, "Promising Evidence," meaning it was a well-designed correlational study that demonstrates statistically significant and positive findings.