Test Data 

The following results are compiled from actual data comparing the New Mexico state average score on the standards based assessment in mathematics (5th to 8th grades) as compared to the scores of those involved in Imagine Education games (public schools).

The data are fully legitimate in that both groups of students began at the state average of approximately 28% level of proficiency.   

The Imagine Education game students did have additional support structures in place as part of the class, including once a week small group tutoring sessions. I personally believe that a substantial part of the gains on state tests were a direct result of the Imagine Education games, as they were the very core component of math curriculum. I also believe the some of the tremendous gains were the result of our composite approach, including additional features such as classes devoted to transfer of learning, small group tutoring from parent volunteers, and test training in January, February and March when games were absent from the curriculum.

During the months when no games were played, the rich, story-based approach served as a solid platform for the other learning to occur. As compared to their peers who did not experience the games, Imagine Education game students asked more math questions and were more engaged in test training. Our most compelling finding was that students overwhelmingly had more positive emotions about math after experiencing a story-based math game.