A recent study* indicates that greatly improved scores in the Pennsylvania System Student Assessment (PSSA) tests may be connected to the amount of professional development and standards-based materials used in the classroom. The 2004 study examined PSSA math and reading results of fifth grade students in the 30 Allegheny County school district classrooms, from 1996-2001, participating in the ASSET program. ASSET provides teachers with advanced professional development training in hands-on inquiry, and supports their classrooms with the learning materials that complement district curriculums. These results are consistent with earlier test scores of a large sample of fifth graders. While other factors cannot be ruled out, the results clearly indicate a consistent trend toward improved test scores in classrooms where professional development and inquiry-based learning is emphasized. * Based upon research conducted by Dr. Raghavan at Learning Research and Development Center (University of Pittsburgh) and ASSET Inc. Institute for Inquiry (2005-06) ASSET Results Report (Nov. 2004) Asset Answers Your Questions About Its Inquiry-Based Learning (May 2003) Asset Results Report (May 2003)

"I would invite anyone to come into my classroom and see the results. Just to see the look on [my students] faces when they have understood a concept and can explain that concept to another child is just worth everything!" Karen Bordt Teacher, Highcliff Elementary School North Hills School District

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