In partnership with the American Institutes for Research (AIR), Campus Without Walls (CWW) has completed the first year of an impact study, offering a compelling look at the program’s ability to expand learning opportunities for students while strengthening teacher development.
CWW empowers teachers to broaden their course offerings by providing 6- to 12-week course units that bring innovative, real-world learning into classrooms. Through Campus Without Walls, Teacher Fellows receive high-quality instructional materials, along with mentorship and job-embedded professional development from experienced Lead Teachers. This approach not only enhances student engagement but also builds teacher confidence and capacity.
Research Objectives & Study Design
Conducted in collaboration with Northeastern University, Boston University, and the Rennie Center, the study sought to:
- Assess Implementation & Impact – Examining how CWW’s course units and teacher supports influenced instruction, student engagement, and academic outcomes.
- Enhance Program Development – Using data-driven insights to refine and expand the program’s reach.
Key research questions included:
✅ What are the strengths of the CWW program?
✅ How does participation benefit students and teachers?
✅ What areas could be improved to maximize impact?
Key Research Findings
Expanding Teacher Capacity & Course Offerings
CWW’s model of pairing Teacher Fellows with mentorship from Lead Teachers has created a scalable, high-impact way for educators to introduce new curriculum and learning experiences into their classrooms. The study highlighted:
- Increased Course Variety: Teachers expanded their instructional repertoire, incorporating rigorous, engaging units aligned with student interests.
- Support & Collaboration: The Lead Teacher model provided Fellows with real-time guidance, with Fellows reporting increased confidence and improved learning in their classrooms.
- Flexibility & Adaptation: Fellows valued the ability to customize units while receiving structured mentorship.
One Teacher Fellow shared:
🗣️ “Having a Lead Teacher gave me the confidence I needed to teach these new topics. I feel much more comfortable in my classroom, and I have a lot more agency.”
Strengthening Professional Growth Through Job-Embedded Support
By embedding professional development directly into the teaching process, CWW has fostered stronger, more confident educators:
- 89% of Teacher Fellows reported greater self-efficacy in implementing new instructional strategies.
- 86% of Teacher Fellows reported feeling more connected to a community of educators.
- Emphasis on Equity & Cultural Relevance: Fellows praised CWW’s focus on culturally responsive teaching, making their classrooms more inclusive and student-centered.
Enhancing Student Engagement & Learning
With access to new course units and cross-school collaboration, students benefited from more engaging, real-world learning experiences:
📌 Engagement & Relevance: 71% of students reported that CWW coursework encouraged them to think in new and deeper ways, while 70% found it more engaging, relevant, and applicable to their futures than traditional coursework. Students expressed excitement about learning beyond the textbook, making stronger connections between coursework and real-world applications.
📌 Fostering Community: 86% of students reported feeling more connected to a community of educators, with many highlighting the culturally responsive and innovative nature of CWW lessons as a significant improvement over their typical school curriculum.
📌 Building Identity & Belonging: From cultural storytelling to personal reflection, students felt that CWW courses helped them develop a stronger sense of self. Beyond academic growth, they also reported a greater sense of belonging and classroom community.
One student reflected:
🗣️ “This CWW unit made learning exciting. Before, it was just ‘get the information in your head.’ Now it’s, ‘let’s see how this applies to the real world.’”
Looking Ahead
These insights will continue to guide CWW’s growth and ongoing refinement as we support teachers in offering high-quality, engaging courses.
By drawing on AIR’s findings, we are making informed adjustments to our model that will drive an even greater impact on students and educators in the years to come. Our goal is to ensure that students—regardless of school or ZIP code—have access to innovative learning opportunities. By focusing on collaboration, professional growth, and real-world relevance, Campus Without Walls is redefining how teachers and students experience education.