Using Computer-Adaptive Curriculum to Enhance ELA Assessment Outcomes

This technical report evaluates the impact of Istation, a computer-adaptive learning system, on student performance in the New Mexico Measures of Student Success and Achievement (NM-MSSA) English Language Arts (ELA) assessment. The study analyzes data from six school districts during the 2021–2022 academic year, focusing on students in grades 3 to 5. It employs a hierarchical linear model to assess the relationship between Istation usage and NM-MSSA ELA scores while controlling for socioeconomic status and initial performance levels. The findings indicate that students in grades 4 and 5 who adhered to recommended Istation usage guidelines demonstrated significant improvements in their ELA scores, with increases of 3–6 points compared to those with lower usage. However, results for grade 3 were not statistically significant. The report also outlines the methodology, including the demographic composition of the sample and the analytical approach used to derive these conclusions.