Problem-based learning for school improvement

What is it about?

In this article we describe how a comprehensive, public high school used problem-based learning (PBL) to drive their school improvement process. We share quantitative findings from a 5-year study where we tracked student achievement on multiple Advanced Placement (AP) exams.

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Why is it important?

The focal school is one of the first comprehensive, public high schools to attempt to implement PBL across all core content areas in the school. In this article we describe the process they used and share data that demonstrate gains, at times statistically significant, in mean student AP scores. We found that students experienced gains in mean AP scores across subgroups including students receiving free and reduced lunch services, students who speak a first language other than English at home, and students who receive Special Education accommodations.