Accelerate Learning for Students:
A Case Study on Previewing
Accelerate or Remediate?
While often debated in the educational world, the data-backed answer for a North Carolina school district is clear.
Accelerate!
Catawba County Schools is the largest school district in Catawba County, North Carolina. Like many districts, they knew some students struggled to meet proficiency levels, particularly in mathematics. Traditional remediation methods were not yielding the desired results, and there was a need for an innovative approach to address performance and boost student confidence.
Accelerate with Previewing: Learning-Focused Partnership
The district had a long-standing partnership with Learning-Focused. When they received a state-funded grant to improve student outcomes, they selected an Acceleration with Previewing initiative based on research, the boost to student self-efficacy, and the structural benefits compared to Remediation.
The Training of Trainers Institute empowered district staff to use the Accelerate Learning with Previewing Book and successfully train school-level staff. Learning-Focused also helped ensure effective implementation.
Implementation: Designing a Successful Program
The district focused on fostering supportive environments and boosting student confidence.
Key strategies included:
Providing Expert Teacher Training
District professionals received training and then trained selected school-level staff to ensure widespread, consistent understanding and execution.
Focusing on a Small, Targeted Group
Students performing below or at proficiency levels were identified. Small groups (8–10 students) received personalized support focused on math.
Establishing Morning Previewing Sessions
Twice-weekly sessions ran from October to April, previewing upcoming lessons. Classroom teachers and previewing staff collaborated to ensure alignment.
“The students getting the previewing are now more willing to share in whole group conversations.”
The Results: Significant Growth in Student Performance and Confidence
The Previewing initiative significantly improved student achievement. Nearly 60% of participating students scored Proficient on End-of-Grade assessments, according to i-Ready Benchmark data.
Classroom Success Stories
One Exceptional Children teacher worked with three students in a small group and saw dramatic improvement in their performance. One student rose from the 2nd to the 78th percentile during their 6th-grade year—the first year Previewing was implemented.
Teachers’ Perspectives on Previewing
Amanda Cox, a 4th-grade ELA teacher, led before-school previewing sessions for Math. In a video interview, she emphasized the importance of vocabulary previewing and how the strategy transformed her students from quiet observers to active participants.
Watch Amanda’s full video here.
David Ryhal echoed similar sentiments, highlighting increased participation from students who previously stayed silent even when they had correct answers. Read more from David.
Looking Ahead
With tangible academic and confidence gains, the district plans to expand Previewing into reading instruction after the grant ends in 2024.
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