What does the Research Say about the Effects of Increased Learning Time on Student Outcomes?

REL Appalachia answers this question in a report released today entitled The effects of increased learning time on student academic and nonacademic outcomes: Findings from a meta-analytic review.

After screening more than 7,000 studies and identifying 30 that met the most rigorous standards for research, the authors found that increased learning time does not always produce positive results. However, some forms of instruction tailored to the needs of specific types of students were found to improve student outcomes. Key findings include:

•    Increased learning time promoted student achievement in literacy and math when instruction was led by a certified teacher who was responsible for the progression of activities while students follow directions to complete tasks.

•    Increased learning time improved literacy outcomes for students performing below standards.

•    Increased learning time improved social-emotional skill development of students with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder.