Cooperative learning skills improve in all students. Since so much of the center work is collaborative, students become highly skilled at listening, helping each other, sharing leadership in different activities, accommodating group changes, and introducing new classmates to the program. They learn not only to respect each other but also to appreciate and call upon the unique gifts and abilities of their classmates. Academic achievement has improved as measured by classroom and standardized tests. CAT scores are at or above local, state, and national averages in all areas.
Retention is high on classroom year-end tests.
Methods for recalling information are predominately musical, visual, and kinesthetic, indicating the influence of working through the different intelligences. I have observed students who were previously unsuccessful in school become high-achievers in all areas. In summary, it is clear that students' learning improves. Many students say they enjoy school for the first time. As the school year progresses, new skills emerge.