Evaluation of the Impacts of Kumon Using Propensity Score Matching (Poster 15)

• In Event: Thursday Poster Session 12:40 pm
  In Poster Session: Program Evaluation in Schools

iPresentation URL: https://aera24-aera.ipostersessions.com/Default.aspx?s=71-FC-09-2A-6D-57-42-40-FD-C5-31-5A-9F-D7-5B-24

Abstract

Educational organizations that offer supplemental education such as Kumon are an increasing presence in local communities. This study aims to provide evidence of the Kumon Method through a causal framework that utilizes a propensity score matching technique to investigate impacts on student academic achievement as reflected on a standardized test. Kumon students who took an internationally standardized test in 2006 were matched by location, sex, and grade to non-Kumon students. Results show that Kumon students attained higher scores than similar non-Kumon students across grades 3-8, with larger gains in middle school. The results of this study can be used to inform policy decisions, programs, and practices, especially for educational stakeholders.

Authors

• Lien Vu, University of Delaware

• Richard T. Houang, Michigan State University

• Henry May, University of Delaware

• Florence Xiaotao Ran, University of Delaware