In studies of Junior Achievement's K-12 programs by outside evaluators, JA students demonstrate a significant understanding of economics and business knowledge - particularly those exposed to programs at consecutive grade levels.
From 1993-1999, the Western Institute for Research and Evaluation (WIRE) has conducted a comprehensive evaluation of Junior Achievement's Elementary School Program. Results show that JA's impact on student achevement has been consistent and significant.
Students participating in the elementary school study all attend urban schools in some of the nation's major cities, representing a diverse ethnic and racial population.
The cumulative impact of the program is significant
WIRE's logitudinal study shows that students participating in the elementary program over consecutive years acquire significantly more economics and business knowledge than those taking Junior Achievement for the first time.
Even a single exposure to a JA program makes a difference
Students at all grade levels who participate in the Elementary School Program have greater comprehension of concepts and skills than their non-participating peers.
Educators value JA programs
WIRE evaluators found positive results from the Middle Grade Programs for students in grades seven through nine. JA students consistently outperform their non-participating peers-in each program at three grade levels.
The WIRE study tracked performance levels among 772 Personal Economics students, 868 Enterprise in Action students, and 824 The International Marketplace studetns in five, geographically diverse areas.
JA students outperform their peers
Earlier research shows that JA *
* These findings came from a study of Project Business, Junior Achievement's original junior high school program, which was superseded by Personal Economics, Enterprise in Action, and The International Marketplace.
WIRE began a comprehensive study of JA's High School Program in 1998. Results show that JA programs have a significant impact on student learning.
JA Programs Increase Economic Understanding
After completing the JA Company Program, students scored 10.6 percent higher on objective-referenced tests that measure understanding of economic concepts. JA Economics and JA Success Skills students scored 8.1 percent higher.
JA Programs Improve Critical-Thinking Skills
WIRE's alternative assessments reveal that JA's High School Programs help students use higher levels of thinking to synthesize and integrate information. After completing JA Economics, students scored 18.6 percent higher on alternative assessment tests. JA Company Program and JA Success Skills students scored 10.9 percent and 13 percent higher respectively.
Researchers also found that the hands-on activities of JA Company Program and JA Success Skills help students develop real-life skills used to make major life decisions.
Educators and Consultants Agree that JA students are better than traditional students in
Full evaluation results at www.ja.org