Standardized Test Proficiency in Public Montessori Schools

• In Event: AERA Poster Session 13
  In Poster Session: Montessori Education SIG Structured Poster Session: Advances in Research, Practice, and Equity (San Diego)

Abstract

Although Montessori is the most common unconventional education model, no multi-state study has compared standardized test proficiency of Montessori schools with districts. Here we report this for the 10 states/regions with the most public Montessori schools (n = 195). At 3rd grade, Montessori schools were less proficient in math but more proficient in ELA. In 8th grade they were more proficient on both. Students historically affected by the racial opportunity gap and economically disadvantaged subgroups’ proficiency levels were higher or similar at Montessori, and achievement gaps were generally smaller. Potential reasons for the better performance of Montessori schools will be considered.

Authors

• Angeline S Lillard, University of Virginia

• Allyson Leigh Snyder, University of Virginia

• Xin Tong, University of Virginia