According to a new report lead by Dr. Deborah Lowther of the University of Memphis, Center for Research in Education Policy, students in Michigan’s Freedom to Learn program (FTL) saw a dramatic increase in their MEAP scores in both Math and English/Language Arts from 2005 to 2007.

• English
  Yr 2 = 52.3%; Yr 3 = 79.9%
• Mathematics
  Yr 2 = 39.8%; Yr 3 = 69.1%
• Reading
  Yr 2 = 57.5%; Yr 3 = 83.6%
• Writing
  Yr 2 = 47.8%; Yr 3 = 67.7%

In a matched pair control study FTL students also outperformed their peers who did not participate in the program by 18.7%.

The report goes on to state that in a three-year period, the Freedom to Learn program has made great strides toward achieving the overall program goal of improving student learning and achievement in Michigan. The researchers indicate that with continued engagement in one-to-one learning FTL students have a greater potential to be better prepared for future careers.

FTL research data shows the following:

• Successful infusion of over 20,000 laptop computers into Michigan’s K-12 schools to create one-to-one learning environments.
• Teachers received adequate professional learning that resulted in the following:
  • Implementation of rich technology integration lessons
  • More meaningful, student-centered use of technology as a learning tool as compared to the control group.
• Teachers had greater technological confidence and belief in the educational benefits of effective integration practices than comparison teachers.
• Students, as compared to students in the norming group, achieved at higher levels in most instances.
• Students were observed using 21st Century skills for Internet, word processing, and presentation activities significantly more than the comparison group.

The University of Memphis Center for Research in Education Policy’s Deborah Lowther says that it is evident that FTL has been a catalyst for innovative technology interventions that have remained consistent in yielding improved educational opportunities for Michigan’s students. Yet it is also evident that the degree and scope of the initiative must expand to provide students greater opportunities to experience and gain 21st Century knowledge and skills that are more comprehensive and diverse.

Leslie Wilson, a former Director of Freedom To Learn and President of One-to-One Institute was thrilled with the results. “We knew our work was grounded in education and technology best practices-with 21st century teaching and learning at the heart of our efforts. We are sensitive to the issues project efficacy and value of this $37M investment. It is extremely fulfilling to have Michigan’s one to one program quantified through hard data.” She goes on to say, “We are grateful to the Michigan Department of Education for their continued support of one-to-one programs during these difficult economic times. I think we all know the significance of 21st century education environments to Michigan’s economic future.”

To read the full report, go to One-to-One Institute at www.one-to-oneinstitute.org.

About The Freedom to Learn Program
Freedom to Learn was a statewide education program to improve student achievement in core academic subjects by providing Michigan’s students with access to 21st Century learning tools. The focus was on creating one-to-one environments in rural and urban schools having difficulty making Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) under the No Child Left Behind Act. The program was also designed to bridge the digital divide and expand learning opportunities for underserved students in rural and urban environments. The Freedom to Learn program ended in 2007, at which time an independent non profit organization was formed to continue to expand and support Michigan’s one-to-one programs.

About One-to-One Institute
One-to-One Institute grew out of Michigan’s successful, statewide one-to-one initiative, Freedom to Learn. Based on research and best practices, One-to-One Institute offers expertise and hands-on experience in all aspects of developing educators’ 21st century learning environments and related skills. One-to-One Institute is now one of the leaders in the development of one-to-one efforts world-wide, as well as acting as a clearinghouse for research and resources related to one-to-one computing programs.