The Big Takeaway

This study provides rigorous evidence that STEMscopes Math helps elementary students succeed in math, leading to higher gains than other math programs. 

Overview

This study looked at whether STEMscopes Math increases elementary students’ math achievement. Independent researchers from LXD Research examined math results for 4th- and 5th-grade students in Texas who used STEMscopes Math and compared them to similar students in districts that did not use the program.

The study focused on student performance on the STAAR Math assessment during the 2023–2024 school year. To make the comparison fair, researchers matched students from STEMscopes districts with similar students from non-STEMscopes districts based on prior math scores and student characteristics, such as race/ethnicity, economic status, and English learner status. In total, the study included just over 4,000 students across six Texas districts.

 

What Did Researchers Find?

Students who used STEMscopes Math performed better in math than students who did not use the program.

• Overall, 4th- and 5th-grade students using STEMscopes Math scored higher on the 2024 STAAR Math test than comparable students in non-STEMscopes districts.
• These positive results were found in both grades, showing that the impact was consistent rather than limited to a single grade level.
• A larger share of STEMscopes Math students met or exceeded grade-level expectations on STAAR Math. 

• • About 77% of STEMscopes students met or exceeded the standard, compared to 69% of students in districts not using the program.
• Importantly, the benefits were also seen for students in groups that often face academic challenges, including: 

• • Economically disadvantaged students
  • Hispanic students
  • Black students

 

Independently Validated by LXD Research

 

This study has been rigorously reviewed by LXD Research, earning an ESSA Tier 2 (Moderate Evidence) rating based on its strong quasi-experimental design and demonstrated impact on student outcomes.

 

In addition, the study is recognized by Evidence for ESSA (Johns Hopkins University) as ESSA Tier 3: Promising Evidence, reflecting alignment with federal ESSA standards for effectiveness using real-world school data. The Promising designation is used by the EvidenceforESSA.org site to indicate retrospective study designs (student data was collected before the study began).

 

Evaluator

The study was a collaboration between LXD Research and the International Centre for Edtech Impact. LXD Research is an independent research firm that conducts the efficacy studies and documentation EdTech products need for ESSA certification and state approvals. LXD Research has published over 100 research reports and conducted studies with products used by millions of students. The International Centre for EdTech Impact bridges the gap between academia and industry through research collaborations that advance the quality of educational technology.