Comparing Student Outcomes Related to the Implementation of the 3DE Program

This study examines the impact of the 3DE program on ninth-grade student achievement in a Title I high school in Metro Atlanta. The 3DE program is a cohort-based model that utilizes interdisciplinary teaching paired with case study methodology; the program aims to support students as they make the difficult transition from middle to high school. This study focuses on two research questions, comparing the academic achievement of students in the 3DE program with those in the broader ninth grade population, measured by their scores on the Algebra I end of course (EOC) exam as well as the ninth-grade literature EOC. A quasi-experimental design was used to analyze the data. The participants in the study consisted of over 400 ninth-grade students at a Title I high school. Findings from the study revealed that participation in the 3DE program had positive, though not significant, impacts on ninth grade literature EOC scores, but it had a statistically significant impact on Algebra I EOC scores. These findings suggest that the 3DE model may aide students in their transition from eighth to ninth grade. This study has implications for school leaders who are looking to partner with Junior Achievement and bring the 3DE program to their schools. Future research should incorporate additional covariates to isolate the program effects further.