ALEKS Randomized Control Trial

Grades 6–8

Apply to Participate Learn More about ALEKS

We invite your district to apply!

McGraw Hill is seeking districts to participate in a study to determine the impact of ALEKS, an adaptive supplemental math program, on middle school students’ math performance.  

The study will compare the impact from the use of ALEKS by select classes in your district, to similar classes that exclusively use the core math curriculum.

Participation Requirements and Time Commitment

To be eligible for this research study, your district must:

Have up to 60 middle school math classes (grades 6–8) who don’t currently use ALEKS.

Willingness to have an independent evaluator randomly assign ALEKS to half of the participating classes in the 2023–2024 school year to supplement existing math core curriculum.

Willingness to collaborate with researchers to coordinate 1–2 classroom observations and teacher interviews—approximately 10 hours total.

Provide access to available de-identified student-level data from district/state summative assessments for grades 6–8 for 2023–2024 for analysis and inclusion in a written report—approximately 2–3 hours total.

Provide access to available de-identified student-level data from benchmark assessments (e.g., iReady, NWEA MAP, or similar) for grades 6–8 for 2023–2024 for analysis and inclusion in a written report—approximately 2–3 hours total.

Why Participate?

Districts that complete all study requirements will receive a report of the study findings and will be eligible to receive incentives in compliance with district rules.

Apply to Participate

Timeline

May 2024

Districts and McGraw Hill sign data sharing agreements.*

June 2024

ALEKS professional learning support begins.

August–September 2024

Classes begin using ALEKS.

September 2024–June 2025

Teachers participate in a small number of surveys, interviews, and  class observations.

June 2025

District supplies 2023–2024 data.

June 2025

Independent evaluator conducts analyses.

October 2025

District analyses and report findings are presented.

Table showing timelines for ALEKS Randomized Control Trial research opportunities
May 2024	Districts and McGraw Hill sign data sharing agreements.*
June 2024	ALEKS professional learning support begins.
August–September 2024	Classes begin using ALEKS.
September 2024–June 2025	Teachers participate in a small number of surveys, interviews, and  class observations.
June 2025	District supplies 2023–2024 data.
June 2025	Independent evaluator conducts analyses.
October 2025	District analyses and report findings are presented.

*Data Sharing Agreements include McGraw Hill’s commitment to protection of district data.

Thank you!

We appreciate your assistance! Research studies like this one are a vital tool for helping us determine how best to support students and teachers across the country.

Have further questions?