Districts Using STEMscopes Achieve Higher Proficiency Rates in Elementary School Science on Georgia Milestones

Georgia school districts using the STEMscopestm science curriculum from Accelerate Learning had higher fifth grade science proficiency rates on the 2019 Georgia Milestones Assessment System (Georgia Milestones) than districts that did not use STEMscopes.

In a new research study, the 2019 state average proficiency rate on the science component of Georgia Milestones was 39.4 percent for all districts that included fifth grade. In the 54 districts that used STEMscopes, the average proficiency rate was 39.7 percent. In contrast, the average proficiency rate was 39.3 percent in the 125 districts that used a district-created or other science curriculum. STEMscopes districts increased their proficiency by 3.4 percentage points in 2019, compared to 1.9 percentage points in non-STEMscopes districts.

The study also conducted analyses to examine the results while accounting for achievement in 2017 and 2018, and important demographic variables. Districts that used STEMscopes continued to have significantly higher overall proficiency rates compared to districts that did not use it. Using the STEMscopes curriculum increased elementary science proficiency rates by 2.3 percentage points, resulting in an additional 22,303 students considered proficient.

"We congratulate our Georgia STEMscopes districts on their success in raising achievement in science and motivating students' interest in STEM," said Vernon Johnson, president and CEO of Accelerate Learning. "These results show continued evidence that STEMscopes is associated with increases in student science achievement in elementary school. They also show the positive results that happen when teachers have effective STEM solutions that ignite inquiry, creativity, and critical thinking."

About STEMscopes

STEMscopes, created by Accelerate Learning Inc., is an award-winning, research-based national leader in PreK-12 STEM curriculum. Used by over 5 million students across all 50 states, STEMscopes provides comprehensive digital resources, supplemental print materials, and hands-on exploration kits that drive engagement and academic growth. For more information, visit stemscopes.com or call toll-free 800-531-0864.