One-on-One Instruction Yields Higher Standardized Test Scores in Tennessee

Every year, teachers work tirelessly to prepare students for state testing to showcase all that they have learned and prove that they are ready for more. While standardized testing comes with a lot of pressure, knowing that you have the right teachers working with your students can significantly reduce that stress. At Proximity Learning, we know that finding certified, expert teachers for one-on-one instruction can be difficult, which is why you don’t need to do it alone.

For more than 15 years, Proximity Learning has been tackling the teacher shortage by connecting schools with certified, livestreamed teachers. Today, we have partnered with over 400 schools and have staffed over 3,000 classrooms. While the numbers can do some talking, Dr. Garrard O. McClendon’s peer-reviewed study of Proximity Learning’s impact on student scores in the Memphis-Shelby County School District can say a lot more about our expert solutions.

In search of teacher shortage solutions

Memphis Shelby County Schools first began its partnership with Proximity Learning in 2019, as the district was struggling to find a solution for the national teacher shortage that had now reached their schools. With a lack of locally available teachers to fill their vacancies, the administration of Memphis Shelby County Schools turned to Proximity. Soon, classrooms across the school district were participating in our live virtual model, where a certified Proximity teacher delivers individualized instruction and an in-class facilitator handles classroom management.

This educational model allows for advanced and personalized learning because it is being taught by certified and trained professionals in their subject area. Where in-person staffing may be lacking, Proximity Learning makes all the difference. 

The COVID-19 pandemic put everyone in unprecedented situations, including students, families, and schools, as they were forced to go online. While it may seem that online learning was simply an emergency solution that popped up during these difficult times, Proximity Learning had long been perfecting this option to make up for the shortage of teachers. 

Our continued partnership with Memphis Shelby County Schools has proven that live synchronous instruction is just as effective and at times better than traditional brick and mortar classrooms. A study by Chicago State University found that Memphis Shelby County students under Proximity Learning’s synchronous instruction had increased standardized test scores compared to their peers who did not have the same Proximity Learning assistance.

Is virtual learning better for students?

Virtual learning can be an effective resource for school districts and students, depending on the method that is used to implement it. Dr. Garrard O. McClendon at Chicago State University investigated the standardized test scores in 11 areas for 8th and 9th grade in 2021 and 2022, respectively, for students who had been taught under Proximity Learning’s virtual instruction in Memphis Shelby County schools. Compared to the standardized test scores of non-Proximity students in all of the same areas, Proximity Learning students scored better the majority of the time. 

As the time for testing approaches, we all know that increasing scores is always easier said than done. So let’s break down the facts.

How was the study conducted?

The study included data from over 40,000 students in 8th and 9th grade in the Memphis-Shelby County School System. Students were assessed based on their scores on the Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP), a test administered to determine whether students are meeting the academic expectations for their grade level. Student scores range from 200 to 450 and can fall between Levels 1 and 4. Performance levels are based on Tennessee Academic Standards (TAS):

• Level 1 (Below): Performance at this level demonstrates that the student has a minimal understanding and has a nominal ability to apply the grade/course-level knowledge and skills defined by the TAS.
• Level 2 (Approaching): Performance at this level demonstrates that the student is approaching understanding and has a partial ability to apply the grade/course-level knowledge and skills defined by the TAS.
• Level 3 (On-track or Met): Performance at this level demonstrates that the student has a comprehensive understanding and has a thorough ability to apply the grade/course-level knowledge and skills defined by the TAS.
• Level 4 (Mastered or Exceeded): Performance at this level demonstrates that the student has an extensive understanding and has an expert ability to apply the grade/course-level knowledge and skills defined by the TAS.

The study compared the scores of students in the following subject areas:

• English Language Arts (ELA)
• English 1 & 2
• Science
• Biology 1
• Algebra 1

What were the results of the study?

Overall, the results proved that students exposed to Proximity Learning instruction were more likely to score higher on standardized tests compared to non-Proximity Learning students. The key results examine the aggregated scale scores:

• In 2021, across all grades and subjects, Proximity scores were 11 points higher than non-Proximity scores. This puts Proximity students at a Level 2 according to TAS.
• In 2021, across all subjects for 8th graders, Proximity scores were 11 points higher than non-Proximity scores. This puts Proximity students at a Level 2 according to TAS.
• In 2022, across all grades and subjects, Proximity scores were 8 points higher than non-Proximity scores. This puts Proximity students at a Level 2 according to TAS.
• In 2022, across all subjects for 9th graders, Proximity scores were 10 points higher than non-Proximity scores. This puts Proximity students at a Level 2 according to TAS.

Both the 2021 and 2022 datasets revealed that students learning with Proximity Learning scored higher on their standardized tests compared to students in traditional classrooms.

Is live synchronous instruction effective?

Live synchronous instruction, as done by Proximity Learning, is effective for students and schools who may be looking for improved performance or are struggling to fill teacher vacancies. As proven by the study, Proximity Learning is a functioning solution for the Memphis-Shelby County School System, and it can be for your district as well. 

At Proximity Learning, we don’t believe in the bare minimum. If you need a teacher, we will match a certified teacher who is trained to teach in their subject area to fill your vacancy. With the help of our dedicated team and customizable options, we help schools never have to worry about teacher shortages or low scores again.

Proximity Learning passes with flying colors

As state testing approaches, your students have the exciting chance to exhibit all that they have learned and have been working hard for. We know that as educational leaders, you only want the best for your students. If help or support is needed in the classroom, know that Proximity Learning is proven to provide quality instruction. 

Analyzed by a peer-reviewed study, our methods yield superior results. By partnering with Proximity Learning, your school district can get highly qualified teachers into every classroom with effective synchronous online instruction. Read the case study for yourself to see if Proximity Learning is the solution you’ve been looking for.