ERIC Number: ED671790
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2025-Feb
Pages: 35
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Available Date: 0000-00-00
METRICS: Maximizing Engagement Through Regular Immersion in Computer Science. Impact Evaluation Report
Kathy Dowell1; Catherine Snyder1; Stephanie Marshall1
Grantee Submission
METRICS was a 5-year grant program funded by the U.S. Department of Education designed to immerse elementary school students in computer science. METRICS components included 1) creation and implementation of rigorous computer science curriculum units and assessments to support STEM coursework connected across all subjects through problem-based learning; 2) provision of high-quality teacher development and support to sustain innovative computer science instructional practices; 3) provision of student supports through STEM and Makerspace labs; and 4) strengthening students' tethers to computer science and STEM coursework by engaging students in real-world linkages beyond the classroom, with a focus on traditionally underrepresented minority and female students. Students at METRICS schools received four full years of computer science-focused instruction and experiences. The METRICS impact evaluation used a comparative, short, interrupted time series (CSITS) design to compare reading and math performance of 3rd and 4th graders in treatment and comparison schools over four years of intervention (2020-21 through 2023-24) with the trend in pre-intervention performance over five years before the intervention was introduced (2014-15 through 2018-19). The study included two treatment schools and ten matched business-as-usual comparison schools. Findings showed no significant difference between METRICS and comparison schools in math or reading achievement. Study weaknesses are discussed. [This report was created with Winchester Public Schools.]
Descriptors: Computer Science Education, Elementary School Curriculum, STEM Education, Problem Based Learning, Elementary School Students, Program Effectiveness, Mathematics Achievement, Reading Achievement, Grade 3, Grade 4, Integrated Curriculum, Public Schools, Faculty Development, Elementary School Teachers, Learning Resources Centers, Disproportionate Representation
Publication Type: Reports - Evaluative
Education Level: Elementary Education; Early Childhood Education; Grade 3; Primary Education; Grade 4; Intermediate Grades
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE) (ED), Education Innovation and Research (EIR)
Authoring Institution: The Evaluation Group (TEG)
Identifiers - Location: Virginia
Grant or Contract Numbers: U411C190012
Department of Education Funded: Yes
Author Affiliations: 1The Evaluation Group