Small Group Intervention: Improving Science Proficiency of 5th Grade 'Bubble Kids' on Statewide Assessments

"Bubble Kids" are students identified as performing below the proficiency threshold on standardized assessments. This study investigated the impact of small group intervention on improving the statewide science assessment proficiency level for 5th grade science. Using criterion-based sampling, 38 participants were identified through use of NWEA MAP Growth science assessment and received the targeted instructional sessions of four-months duration. The pre-test/post-test design was employed in the study and limitedly focused on performance tracking among this subgroup, and did not include students who performed well, below or above proficiency level. Statistically, paired sample t-test results indicated significant gain in statewide science assessment, where 50% of the participants reached proficiency level, while the other 50% remained as below proficient. The mean difference score of 8.11 points indicated that the score on statewide assessment was higher than MAP Growth. However, the computed effect size (Cohen’s d) was small, suggesting that the changes and practical impact may be limited, possibly influenced by the small sample size and lack of a control group. Findings provide primary evidence for the potential effectiveness of small group interventions among transitional performers in science education. The study emphasizes the need for further research with larger samples and more rigorous designs to validate and expand upon these results.