The Grow Network's Study Guide Program for Arizona Enhances Students' Academic Performance

The Grow Network/McGraw-Hill today announced the findings of an independent third-party evaluation that confirms the important role that the Arizona Personalized Study Guide Program can play in improving student achievement. Arizona has provided this personal learning program to high school students since 2005.

The Grow Network developed the Arizona Personalized Study Guide Program based upon a strong foundation of educational research about differentiated and individualized instruction.

Hezel Associates, which carried out the research study, conducted a rigorous statistical evaluation of Arizona students' performance in three subjects. The study found that students participating in this personal learning program experienced higher score growth and pass rates than did similar students who did not participate, as evidenced by statistically significant differences across the groups.

The study evaluated the effectiveness of the Arizona Personalized Study Guide Program as measured by student achievement on state assessments. The study evaluated data for students in three diverse Arizona districts who failed to meet passing levels on the exit-level Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) in Spring 2007 and then retook the tests in Fall 2007. Visit http://info.grow.net/hezelstudyaz to read the study.

Key findings include:

1. For students who took retests in all three subjects, students who used the Guides passed significantly more retests than comparable students who did not use the Guides. Of this population, 46% of Guide users passed at least two of the three retests, compared to 19% of nonusers.

2. Across all students taking one or more retests, students reporting moderate or high use of the Guides achieved 69% better score growth in Math and 50% better score growth in Writing compared to students reporting no or low use.

3. Important statistically significant results were shown among Hispanic students, as Hispanic participants passed Reading and Writing 33% more often than Hispanic nonparticipants.

4. Substantial qualitative effects were seen as well, with more than 90% of student participants reporting that the program helped increase their understanding of Arizona standards.

"These findings demonstrate that providing targeted and personalized instructional intervention materials can yield significant improvements in student achievement," said Mark Malaspina, president of The Grow Network. "Researchers have long recognized the challenges that teachers face in helping diverse learners master state standards. We've responded by creating an individualized instructional solution that enables teachers to differentiate instruction, motivates students, engages parents, and increases academic performance."

By leveraging cutting-edge print and Web technology, The Grow Network's study guide program provides each student with targeted support aligned to that student's specific academic needs. Arizona provides personalized study guides free of charge to all students in Grade 9 and to those students in Grades 11-12 who did not meet the standards on the AIMS high school exam.

About The Grow Network/McGraw-Hill

Established in March 2000, The Grow Network/McGraw-Hill is a nationally recognized leader in educational assessment reporting. The Grow Network's innovative patent-pending system offers dynamic reports and differentiated learning tools in print and online for families, teachers, and educational leaders. The Grow Network is part of the Assessment and Reporting group of McGraw-Hill Education, a division of The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE: MHP). McGraw-Hill Education is a leading global provider of print and digital instructional, assessment and reference solutions that empower professionals and students of all ages. McGraw-Hill Education has offices in 33 countries and publishes in more than 60 languages. Additional information is available at http://info.grow.net/ .

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SOURCE: The Grow Network/McGraw-Hill Education

CONTACT: Media Inquiries:
Kelley Carpenter
Director, Communications
McGraw-Hill Assessment and Reporting
+1-831-393-7196
kelley_carpenter@mcgraw-hill.com

Web site: http://info.grow.net/hezelstudyaz
http://info.grow.net/