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

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