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Penda Learning

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Backed by Rigorous Evidence, Penda Dramatically Accelerates Science Achievement

Independent Research Study Shows Penda Drives Meaningful Gains in Science Achievement

Two Studies. Strong Evidence.

Independent research across schools, districts and thousands of students found meaningful science gains with Penda.

STUDY 1
0.56
Hedges’g
NWEA-based study
STUDY 2
0.76
Hedges’g
Meta-analysis

Strong Student Growth

On average, students using Penda showed more improvement vs. the controls in the study.

Assessment Improvement

Research found students outperformed the controls on nationally normed and state-administered science assessments after using Penda.

Raising the Bar

On average, Penda was found to help improve outcomes across historically lower performing sub-groups of students and schools, including Title 1 programs

Significant Effect Size Across Multiple Groups

Lifting All Students – Opening STEM opportunities for All

Penda Learning helps close opportunity gaps by accelerating science growth for students who have historically been underrepresented in STEM — including English Language Learners (ELL), students with disabilities (SWD), struggling readers, and those attending Title I schools. Through engaging, interactive lessons designed with accessibility in mind, Penda enables all learners to build scientific understanding and confidence early on.

By focusing on accessibility, scaffolded reading support, and engaging inquiry, Penda ensures that every student — regardless of background or learning difference — can thrive in science and develop pathways to future STEM opportunities.

Return on Investment

Penda delivers top-tier learning impact at one of the lowest costs per student

Using the Matthew Kraft (2019) cost-effectiveness framework.
Penda Learning sits in the most desirable quadrant — large effect size, low cost.
This means schools achieve improvements in science outcomes while keeping per-pupil costs well below the national average for effective interventions.

Return on Investment

In other words, Penda delivers more learning growth for less cost—a rare combination validated through independent research and aligned with evidence-based funding criteria.

Return on Investment

Study #2: Multi-Site Study Results:

Penda Users Show Significantly Greater Science Growth on NWEA Map Tests vs. Controls

In a study across 46 schools, involving 19,500 students, science growth was compared between students using Penda Learning versus a group of students who were not. To ensure a fair comparison, both groups were matched using their fall NWEA MAP science scores as their baseline

The results show a clear difference:
Students who used Penda’s science intervention platform made significantly larger gains on their spring NWEA MAP science test than students who did not use Penda. In this study the average effect size was .56. Students in the Penda group showed 20% higher increases in estimated science proficiency rates compared to their peers in the control group.

Figure 1 illustrates this difference. The chart shows two bars—one for students using Penda and one for students not using Penda. The Penda group shows much greater growth in science knowledge from fall to spring

What Makes Penda Effective?

Gamified Engagement

Rewarding students with gamification elements such as avatars.

Penda was awarded the 2025 CODiE award for Best Gamification in Ed Tech

CODiE Award

High-quality Science Content

3-dimensional, phenomena-based activities aligned to NGSS, TX or FL standards

Accessible for More Learners

Read-aloud plus translation support across 100+ languages

Teacher Support

Instructional guides, auto-assignments, data insights, and reports for differentiation

Proof That Penda Learning Gets Results

Sarasota County Schools

Sarasota County

Sarasota County Schools implemented district wide for 2022-2023 and 2023-2024. Test score data from 2023 show a positive correlation between Penda usage and Sarasota County Schools jump in state rankings.

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Charter Schools USA

Charter Schools USA

There was a significant correlation in the science achievement of students, grades 3- biology, as measured by growth in NWEA RIT scores, for students who used the Penda Science program in the 2021–22 school year.

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Flagler County

Flagler County

Flagler County Public Schools implemented Penda Learning in nine buildings from Grades 5 through Biology. Their students had an increase on statewide science assessment (SSA) scores within the first year of Penda use, which was the 2022-2023 SY.

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Clay County

Clay County

Within two years, the district moved from 36th to 3rd in 2021–22 Statewide Science Assessment (SSA) and end-of-course (EOC) scores, with substantial grade 5, 8, and biology improvements for Penda users.

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Hillsborough County

Hillsborough County

Data gleaned from results on the Florida State Science Assessment show that Penda increases student success on high-stakes exams in schools and across the district.

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Dr. Steven L. Miller
“

Across multiple studies and school systems, students using Penda Learning achieved science gains that outpaced typical growth by more than a full school year. These results represent one of the most significant impacts observed in contemporary education research.

Dr. Steven L. Miller

Author of the Meta-Analysis
How does Penda Learning
deliver these significant gains?
Pedagogical Design
Pedagogical Design:
  • 3-d, phenomena-based activities and assessments
  • Hand-crafted to exacting standards – NGSS, FL SASS, TX TEKS, CA NGSS, PA STEELS, AR NGSS, and more
  • 5E design
  • Multiple question types
  • Robust reporting for full transparency
Gamification
Gamification:
  • Gamification elements for rewards
  • Customizable avatars
  • Points for use in avatar store
  • Leaderboards
  • Class Mission: SpaceCRAFT
Customer Support
Customer Support:
  • World class support
  • Excellent professional development
  • Robust training materials
  • Check-ins throughout the year

Take a Closer Look at
Penda Science!

Supporting Science Teachers
in Reading Every Student,
Every Week

Learn why administrators, teachers and students all love Penda
Learning - and how this gamified science curricula supports excellent
science instruction.