Efficacy Study of ALEKS Adventure in a Pennsylvania School District 1

In this descriptive mixed-methods study, researchers examined the impacts of McGraw Hill’s ALEKS Adventure program on Grades 1–2 student math achievement in a Pennsylvania school district. The primary focus of this report was ALEKS Adventure’s impacts on Aimsweb math scores (Early Numeracy and Mathematics assessments), as well as teacher perceptions of the ALEKS Adventure program. Beginning-of-year (BOY) to end-of-year (EOY) Aimsweb math score gains were examined in the primary quantitative analyses, with gains also analyzed by subgroup. In addition, researchers examined associations between student-level digital ALEKS Adventure usage data and Aimsweb math scores. The analytic sample consisted of 310 Grades 1-2 students from three elementary schools. The interview sample consisted of eight Grades 1–2 teachers that used ALEKS Adventure in the 2024-25 school year. McGraw Hill provided student-level digital usage data, including metrics such as total program time, course progress, and counts of skills learned.

Descriptive analyses showed that Grade 1 students averaged nearly 25-point gains on Aimsweb Early Numeracy scores from BOY to EOY in 2024-25, while Grade 2 students averaged nearly 55-point gains on Aimsweb Mathematics scores from BOY to EOY. Students averaged nearly 20 hours of total program usage time across the 2024-25 school year, with students in each grade level averaging similar amounts of total program usage time. Measures of course progress and topics learned were significantly positively associated with EOY MAP math scores. Teachers highlighted the program's effectiveness in providing differentiated and independent learning opportunities, allowing students to progress at their own pace and engage with tailored activities. They noted the program's strengths in engaging students and providing opportunities to reinforce math skills, although there were concerns about its ability to ensure deep mastery of concepts. Overall, teachers praised the program for engaging students and boosting their confidence, especially through visual tracking tools and gamification elements.