Backed by Rigorous Evidence, Penda Has Been Proven to Significantly Improve Science Outcomes
Penda Learning Drives Unmatched Science Gains -
Penda Performed in the Top 10% of Science Intervention Resources Reviewed
When it comes to choosing the right instructional solution to accelerate science achievement, results matter. That’s why we’re proud to share the findings from a large-scale, independent, quasi-experimental study evaluating Penda Learning’s impact across 46 schools and nearly 19,500 students
21%
Average Gains in Science Proficiency
46
Schools Evaluated in Independent Study
19,500
Students Measured in Independent Study
Research has been Peer Reviewed and Published in Scientific Journals
Significant Growth Across Grades
Significant Improvement Across Subgroups – Ethnicity, Gender and Special Ed
Penda Users vs. Control Group
on NWEA Science Assessments Grades 4-8
Positive Responder Rate
Percent of students who showed a positive response on test performance from the Fall to Spring testing
Achieved Proficiency Standard
Percent of students who showed a positive response on test performance from the Fall to Spring testing
Exceeded Growth Target
Percentage of students that exceeded the expected fall-to-spring growth target
“
Science proficiency in classrooms today, changes the opportunities open to these students tomorrow and the economy around them
Dr. Steve Miller Neuroscientist, CEO of Elite Performance
Science Achievement Gains from a Computer-Based Learning Platform: a Multi-Site Quasi-Experimental Study
Abstract—This quasi-experimental, multi-site study examined the impact of Penda Learning, a computer-based science instructional and intervention platform, on student science achievement across 46 schools, involving 19,500 students in Grades 3 through 12. The intervention group—classrooms implementing Penda Learning—was compared to a control group receiving business-as-usual science instruction in Grades 3 through 8 (n = 18,738). The platform was aligned with state science standards, curriculum, and instruction. Student performance was assessed using the NWEA Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) Science Assessment at both pretest (Fall) and posttest (Spring). A repeated-measures MANCOVA was conducted using pretest scores as a covariate. Results revealed statistically significant improvements in science achievement for students in the intervention group across all grade levels and demographic subgroups, with a dose-response relationship observed—greater usage was associated with higher learning gains.
Students in the intervention group showed 20% higher increases in estimated science proficiency rates compared to their peers in the control group. These findings suggest that computer-based instruction using Penda Learning produced meaningful gains in both psychometric growth and science proficiency, with implications for future educational equity, STEM workforce development, and economic mobility. This study meets Tier II (“moderate evidence”) standards of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) based on the U.S. Department of Education guidelines.
*NOTE: Participating schools provided student data in compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), ensuring that all data collection, handling, and reporting procedures adhered to federal guidelines for the protection of student privacy.
Proof That Penda Learning Gets Results
Sarasota County
Sarasota County Schools implemented district wide for 2022-2023 and 2023-2024. Test
score data from 2023 show a positive correlation between Penda usage and Sarasota County Schools jump in state rankings.
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Charter Schools USA
There was a significant correlation in the science achievement of students, grades 3- biology, as measured by growth in
NWEA RIT scores, for students who used the Penda Science program in the 2021–22 school year.
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Flagler County
Flagler County Public Schools implemented Penda Learning in nine buildings from Grades 5 through Biology.
Their students had an increase on statewide science assessment (SSA) scores within the first year of Penda use, which was the 2022-2023 SY.
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Clay County
Within two years, the district moved from 36th to 3rd in 2021–22 Statewide Science Assessment (SSA) and end-of-course (EOC) scores, with substantial grade 5, 8, and biology improvements for Penda users.
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Hillsborough County
Data gleaned from results on the Florida State Science Assessment show that Penda increases student success on high-stakes exams in
schools and across the district.
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How does Penda Learning deliver these significant gains?
Pedagogical Design:
3-D, Phenomena-based activities and assessments
Hand-crafted to exacting standards – NGSS, FL SASS, TX TEKS, CA NGSS, PA STEELS, AR NGSS, and more
5E Design
Multiple Question Types
Robust Reporting for Full Transparency
Gamification:
Gamification Elements for Rewards
Customizable Avatars
Points for Use in Avatar Store
Leaderboards
Class Mission: SpaceCRAFT
Customer Support:
World Class Support
Excellent Professional Development
Robust training materials
Check-ins throughout the year
Supporting Science Teachers in Reaching Every Student, Every Week
Learn why administrators, teachers, and students all love Penda Learning — and how this gamified science curricula supports excellent
science instruction.
