How Much Time Does It Take to Implement Expanded Learning Time (ELT)? Results From a Longitudinal Study of ELT in Massachusetts

• In Event: Roundtable Session 32
  In Roundtable Session: Instructional Interventions: Designs, Enactment, and Challenges

Abstract

The Massachusetts Expanded Learning Time (ELT) initiative provides grants to selected schools to add 300 hours to the school year. The five-year evaluation of the ELT initiative collects annual implementation and impact data from ELT and non-ELT matched comparison schools. The impact analysis uses a difference-of-differences approach that leverages pre-program data and data from matched comparison schools to produce estimated effects.

In 2009-2010, all funded schools appeared to implement the core ELT elements, with substantial variation across schools. After four, three, or two years of implementation, there were no statistically significant effects of ELT on MCAS student achievement outcomes in the grades/subjects assessed. Descriptive analyses of achievement levels in ELT schools indicated considerable variation.

Authors

• Amy E. Checkoway, Abt Associates

• Beth Gamse, Abt Associates Inc.

• Beth A. Boulay, Abt Associates Inc.

• Carrie Lauren Conaway, Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education