Elementary School Program Evaluation

The Western Institute for Research and Evaluation (WIRE) has continuously evaluated the Junior Achievement elementary school programs since 1992. Results show that JA’s impact on student achievement has been consistent and significant.

Students participating in the elementary school study all attended urban schools in some of the nation’s major cities, representing a diverse ethnic and racial population.

The cumulative impact of the program is significant

WIRE’s longitudinal study shows that students participating in the elementary programs over consecutive years acquire significantly more economics and business knowledge than those taking Junior Achievement for the first time.

Objective-Referenced Tests

Even a single exposure to a JA program makes a difference

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

Educators value JA programs

• Teachers have high praise for the program. They rate it 9.4 on a 10-point scale. Ninety-nine percent also say their students enjoy it.

• Teachers credit volunteers as a major factor in the impact of the curriculum, saying that they bring an outside business perspective into the classroom and serve as positive role models for the students.

Elementary School Program Results