Driving School Improvement with a Tool That Predicts Student Achievement

This research brief summarizes findings from a peer-reviewed study on Instructional Empowerment’s Rigor Appraisal, a non-evaluative tool that measures the effectiveness of instructional systems in schools without additional testing. Analysis of data from an Illinois district of 53 schools revealed that Rigor Appraisal scores predict student achievement and are correlated to attendance, behavior, and school culture. This powerful instrument empowers education leaders to prioritize effective strategies that work toward eliminating opportunity gaps.