Research-Backed Insights
Evidence Shows We Help Educators:
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Write Data-Driven Present Levels
Educators' use of Goalbook Toolkit is positively associated with higher-quality Present Levels statements.
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Develop High-Quality Goals
Goals written with Goalbook Toolkit contain 2.5x more information for planning and measuring student success than other methods.
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Implement Effective Instruction
Use of Goalbook Toolkit supported with a structured coaching plan significantly enhances instructional differentiation.
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Improve Educator Effectiveness
Goalbook Toolkit helps educators identify present levels, write standards-aligned IEP goals, and use effective UDL strategies.
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Enhance Collaboration
Studies show that Goalbook Toolkit improves collaboration between service providers and educators.
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Increase Student Outcomes
Research shows a significant positive correlation between Goalbook Toolkit usage and improved student academic performance.
These findings affirm Goalbook's commitment to advancing educational practices and achieving measurable success in diverse learning environments.
Examining the Impact of Goalbook On Special Education Teachers’ Retention
- A statistically significant positive association between Goalbook Toolkit access and retention for novice teachers.
- A 9.1% increase in district retention and an 8.2% increase in retention within the state for novice teachers with access to Goalbook Toolkit.
Goalbook Toolkit in Prince George’s County Public Schools
- Strong evidence that Goalbook Toolkit usage is positively associated with student outcomes across grades 6-8.
- A positive association between the frequency of Goalbook Toolkit use and student outcomes on the Maryland Comprehensive Assessment Program (MCAP) reading test.
- Weekly usage of Goalbook Toolkit predicted a 9-percentile gain in student reading assessment scores.
- Significant positive impacts on student reading outcomes were observed when special educators used the Goalbook Toolkit at least weekly.
Impact of Goalbook Toolkit
- Special educators' access to Goalbook Toolkit led to statistically significant higher reading scores for students with special needs compared to similar students in districts without access.
- Overall, students with special needs had a 0.07 standard deviation increase in reading scores, moving from the 50th to the 53rd percentile.
- Year 2 findings showed increased gains from year 1, suggesting that student improvements may grow over time with continued use of Goalbook Toolkit.
The Relationship Between Quality of the Present Level of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance Statement and Student Learning
- Educators' usage of Goalbook Toolkit resources was positively associated with higher-quality Present Levels statements.
- Higher-quality Present Levels statements were linked to increased student achievement outcomes in reading and math for students in grades 1–11.
Inquiry of Goalbook Implementation
- Teachers' levels of efficacy increased across all practice areas, with the most significant improvements in using Goalbook Toolkit for instructional planning (28%) and creating standards-aligned goals (16%).
- Teacher's levels of efficacy increased 12% for unpacking standards and creating measurable goals.
Practicing Teachers’ Use of an Online Resource Tool for IEP Goal Writing and Instructional Support
- Goalbook Toolkit significantly increased educator efficiency and efficacy in creating standards-aligned, measurable IEP goals.
- Goalbook Toolkit enhanced practices in planning and co-planning instruction using research-based universal strategies.
- Educators reported improved effectiveness in addressing diverse student needs with the support of Goalbook Toolkit.
WestEd Studies How Goalbook Increases Effective Collaboration for Related Service Providers
- Goalbook tools and resources significantly improved collaboration between related service providers and teachers.
- Enhanced collaboration led to more effective instructional practices on school campuses.
- Positive outcomes for students were observed as a result of increased teamwork among educators.
Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Instructional Impact Study
- Integration of Goalbook's UDL-rubric and Goalbook Toolkit in a structured coaching plan significantly enhanced instructional differentiation.
- Teachers' instructional planning and delivery improved with targeted UDL training and support.
- The co-learning cycle with instructional coaches facilitated more effective use of the UDL framework.
Goalbook Case Study
- Goals developed with Goalbook Toolkit provide 2.5 times more detail for planning and assessing individual student success.
- The enhanced specificity in goals improved the effectiveness of instructional planning and measurement.
We're Rooted in Research and Committed to Evidence-Based Practices
From utilizing insights from our own studies to leveraging research-based frameworks like Universal Design for Learning, The Center for Applied Special Technologies (CAST) and the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL), all of our work is informed by research. We're proud that we have earned the following endorsement and certification as a result.
Goalbook Toolkit is officially endorsed by the Council of Administrators for Special Education (CASE). The endorsement confirms Goalbook Toolkit is an evidence-based tool and is effective in improving teacher efficacy and student outcomes.
Goalbook Toolkit earned a certification as a Research-Based Design Product, using the rigorous criteria and competencies developed by Digital Promise. Goalbook Toolkit met the standards of research and evidence, aligned to the federal Every Student Succeeds Act.