Middle School Program Evaluation

The Western Institute for Research and Evaluation (WIRE) evaluated the Junior Achievement Middle Grade Programs from the 1995-96 through 1997-1998 school year.

The programs involved in the evaluation are

• Personal Economics® 

• Enterprise in Action® 

• The International Marketplace™ 

WIRE conducted a Formative Evaluation to determine how the program was being implemented and to assess its benefits and shortcomings using teacher, principal, consultant, student, and parent surveys. The evaluation took place during the 1995-96 school year.

WIRE then conducted a Summative Evaluation designed to measure how well the students comprehend and apply economic and business concepts.

This study was conducted during the 1996-97 and 1997-98 school years. WIRE used objective-referenced tests to measure the differences between JA and non-JA students.

Middle Grade Programs Evaluation Results

Junior Achievement students scored significantly higher than non-JA students in all three Middle Grade programs.

• Students studying The International Marketplace™ scored 15 percent higher than those who did not participate in the program. 

• Students participating in Enterprise in Action® and Personal Economics® scored 14 percent and 10 percent higher respectively. 

Teachers praise JA's Middle Grade curricula

• Three out of four teachers of Personal Economics® say that JA will improve how students approach jobs in the future. 
  
  

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Even a single exposure to a JA program makes a difference.

Students participating in elementary school programs, for example, have a greater comprehension of concepts and skills than their non-participating peers.

Get Involved

Junior Achievement welcomes the opportunity to discuss how you can participate in educating tomorrow’s work force. Just send us an e-mail at info@jadsm.com or sign up to volunteer online.  Online Registration Form

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