Garrard O. McClendon. Ph.D.
Abstract
This study investigated standardized test scores in 8th and 9th Grade English Language Arts (ELA), English 1 & 2, Science, Biology 1, and Algebra 1 for students who have had access to Proximity Learning® Virtual Instruction and in-class facilitation in Memphis-Shelby County, Tennessee schools. The mean scores were examined in 11 areas and the study concluded that students who had Proximity Learning® pedagogical exposure had a Proximity to Proximity improvement in two subjects (English language arts and science) in years 2021 and 2022. Datasets in 2021 showed Proximity had slightly higher scores than non-Proximity exposed students in 8th grade English Language Arts, and 8th grade Science. Datasets in 2021 showed that Proximity had slightly lower scores than non-Proximity exposed students in 9th grade English 1 and 9th grade Biology. Datasets in 2022 showed that Proximity had slightly higher scores than non-Proximity exposed students in 9th grade Algebra 1, 9th grade English 1, 9th grade English 2. Datasets in 2022 showed that Proximity had slightly lower scores than non-Proximity exposed students in 9th grade Biology 1. Although there is a significant number of Proximity and non-Proximity exposed students who scored in Level 3 (On-Track) and Level 4 (Mastery), the mean scores for both groups were in Level 2 (Approaching). This “performance demonstrates that students are approaching understanding having partial ability to apply grade/course-level knowledge and skills defined by the Tennessee Academic Standards.”