Study of Deeper Learning:
Opportunities and
Outcomes
Study Overview
understanding will be particularly important as many
districts begin to implement the Common Core State
Standards. Additionally, the study will provide valuable
information back to schools about their own students’
deeper learning outcomes and postsecondary
educational outcomes, including college enrollment.
Sponsored by the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation
The Hewlett Foundation has identified networks of
high schools focused on developing deeper learning
skills. These networks serve a combination of charter
and traditional public schools. We are inviting 20
schools from across these networks, as well as 20
similar schools. We will be conducting four types of
data collection in our sampled schools over the next
two school years:
Background
Despite decades of educational reform efforts, it
remains a challenge for U.S. schools to ensure that
students acquire the complex knowledge and deeper
learning skills necessary to become engaged and
productive citizens of a changing world. To meet this
challenge, the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation
has embarked on a compelling initiative to promote
deeper learning at scale, particularly for the most
disadvantaged students. The Foundation has identified
five dimensions of deeper learning: mastery of core
content, critical thinking skills, collaboration skills,
communication skills, and independent learning skills.
Purpose
The primary purpose of this study, to be conducted by
the American Institutes for Research (AIR) over the
next three years, is to examine the ways in which
schools provide opportunities for deeper learning, and
the impact these opportunities have on the
development of the five deeper learning dimensions, as
well as on a wide variety of other student outcomes,
including postsecondary outcomes. This study presents
a unique and exciting opportunity to better understand
approaches schools can use to prepare students well
for college and careers.
Benefits
By participating in this rigorous study, schools will
contribute to our understanding of the ways deeper
learning can be fostered and supported at the school
and classroom levels, and the outcomes associated
with opportunities for deeper learning. This
Data Collection
 Administering surveys to teachers and students to
collect information on school features and
opportunities for students to engage in deeper
learning,
 Collecting samples of teacher assignments and the
student work that they produce to understand the
extent to which students are engaged in deeper
learning activities,
 Administering the Programme for International
Student Assessment (PISA) to measure deeper
learning outcomes,
 Conducting case studies (20 network schools only)
focused on understanding how students experience
deeper learning at school and what school features
are associated with opportunities to engage in
deeper learning.
In addition, we will be collecting and analyzing the
following data:
 Extant data on students’ state test scores
 National Student Clearinghouse data on students’
postsecondary outcomes
Confidentiality
The identities of all respondents will be kept
confidential, and all student data will be reported in
aggregate.
For more information about this study, please contact info@studyofdeeperlearning.org.
Established in 1946, with headquarters in Washington, D.C., American Institutes for Research (AIR) is an independent,
nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization that conducts behavioral and social science research and delivers technical assistance
both domestically and internationally in the areas of health, education, and workforce productivity. To learn more about AIR,
go to www.air.org.
Frequently Asked Questions for Students
What is this study about?
This study will figure out the ways schools help students prepare for college and careers after high school. In
particular, the study will look at mastery of core content, critical thinking skills, collaboration skills,
communication skills, and independent learning skills.
Who is doing it?
The study is being funded by the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation and carried out by the American Institutes
for Research (AIR).
Why?
High schools should help students succeed in more than high school. This study may help find ways they can do
that. The more prepared students are for life after high school, the more they can accomplish.
Why was I chosen for this?
For the most part, we chose students at random.
What would I have to do?
You may be asked to complete a 30 minute survey, participate in a focus group with 3-4 other students, and/or
take either the mathematics or reading portion of the PISA. Each portion of the PISA takes about 90 minutes.
How much time would it take me?
Student Survey—30 minutes.
Focus group—45 minutes.
PISA—90 minutes.
What would I get in return?
You will receive a $10 gift card for completing the survey. In exchange for the PISA, your school will receive an
additional $250 honorarium.
Is it dangerous in any way?
No. Your information will be kept completely private and will not be used to grade or otherwise evaluate you.
Do I really have to do it?
No. Your participation is completely up to you. Even if your guardians gave their permission, you can still say no. If
you decide later that you do not want to participate anymore, you can stop at any time. You will not be marked
down, given a bad grade, or penalized in any way for not participating or withdrawing.
Why do you need my guardian's permission?
Teenagers and children under the age of 18 are not legally allowed to give themselves permission to take part in
something.
For more information about this study, please contact info@studyofdeeperlearning.org.
Established in 1946, with headquarters in Washington, D.C., American Institutes for Research (AIR) is an independent,
nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization that conducts behavioral and social science research and delivers technical assistance
both domestically and internationally in the areas of health, education, and workforce productivity. To learn more about AIR,
go to www.air.org.
What if I don't mind doing the survey, but I don’t want to do the focus group?
You can agree to doing as much or as little as you like.
What if I'm absent on the day of the survey, focus group, or test?
If you are absent on the day of a survey/the PISA/interview/or focus group, you may have an opportunity to make
it up. We will contact you if this opportunity is available.
Who is going to see my school work, comments, or answers?
The researchers who are conducting the study will know what you said, but no one else, not even your parents or
teachers, will know what you said in a focus group, survey, or test. Everything we collect from you will be kept
private. Your name will not be connected to your answers or work.
Can I see my own comments or answers? My scores?
No.
Will any of this count against me in any way?
No. Your information is being collected to give us a better understanding of your school. Your name will not be
associated with anything you do for the study.
So, I'm not going to get graded?
Correct. You will not be graded.
What's the test (PISA) about, anyway?
The PISA is an international exam that will help us see how you use deeper learning skills in the areas of math
and/or language arts. You will only take a portion of the PISA. The scores will not go in your record. The
assessment will not count against you.
Should I study for the test?
No.
What if I fail?
That does not matter.
Why do we have to take it?
The PISA helps enrich our picture of your school.
For more information about this study, please contact info@studyofdeeperlearning.org.
Established in 1946, with headquarters in Washington, D.C., American Institutes for Research (AIR) is an independent,
nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization that conducts behavioral and social science research and delivers technical assistance
both domestically and internationally in the areas of health, education, and workforce productivity. To learn more about AIR,
go to www.air.org.