Understanding by Design and the National Impact of SpringBoard on College Readiness

• In Event: Examining the Impact of Educational Programs and Interventions: Role of Program Design, Fidelity of Implementation, and Formative Assessment on Student Achievement and College Readiness

Abstract

High quality curriculum materials can have a significant impact on student learning and college readiness. Recognizing this, the SpringBoard instructional program was developed based on the Understanding by Design (UbD) model. The purpose of this nationwide study was to examine the effects of SpringBoard on school-level AP, SAT, and PSAT/NMSQT participation and performance. We used an interrupted time series design with matched comparison groups and estimated treatment effects on outcomes using a difference-in-differences approach. Results showed participating high schools saw greater increases in AP and PSAT/NMSQT participation. In addition, participating schools’ black and Hispanic students saw greater increases in AP participation and performance. Finally, participating schools out-performed non-participating schools, scoring 26 points higher on the SAT.

Authors

• Bercem Akbayin, The College Board

• Briana L. Chang, The College Board

• Jennifer Merriman, The College Board