In 2001 the Jefferson County Public Schools undertook a study of the effectiveness of its Computer Supported Intentional Learning Environment (CSILE) project as to the advancement of student academic achievement. JCPS utilizes Knowledge Forum in 20 schools, 9 elementary, 9 middle, and 2 high schools.

The design of the study used a (1) time-series design using the Standard Diagnostic Reading Test (SDRT) and Standard Diagnostic Math Test (SDMT) scores with three groups of students (no CSILE experience, 1 year CSILE experience, and 2 years CSILE experience) and (2) a comparison of these three groups of students on the Kentucky Core Content Test (KCCT) subtests of Reading, Science, and Writing Portfolios.

The study focused on Noe Middle School with the following demographic data:

• In 2000-2001, there were 31 8th grade students who participated in CSILE for the first time, 18-second year students, and 74 third year students.

• 15% of student participating in the CSILE program are in the Advance Program and 15% of the students of the students NOT participating in the CSILE program are Advanced Program students

• 41% of the students in the CSILE project were male and 51% were females. The numbers for the non-CSILE population were 37% male and 63% female.

• 23% of the students in the CSILE project were African American and 39% of the Non CSILE project students were African American.

• The free/reduced lunch data did not match for the two groups as non-CSILE students receiving free/reduced lunch was 57% of that group and 24% of the CSILE student group.

The results show:

• Students participating in the CSILE project for 1 or 2 years do NOT show increases in Standard Diagnostic Reading tests. The non-CSILE students reported the same results.

• Students participating in the Standard Diagnostic Math test did NOT show increases for second year CSILE students. Those who were first year CSILE students DID show increases. Students in the non-CSILE classes showed increases for 6-7 grades but declined for 7-8 grades.

• Students who participated in the CSILE project for 2 years scored more Proficient than the non CSILE group on KCCT Reading Tests by 36% to 15%

• Students who participated in the CSILE group for 2 years scored fewer Novices and a slight increase in Proficient over the non CSILE group for KCCT Science.

• Student who participated in CSILE for 2 years scored more Proficient than the Non CSILE group by 40% to 3.6% for the KCCT Writing portfolios.