Provider: Cignition
Program Description
Cignition provides virtual, small-group math tutoring to students below grade level. Certified teachers work with up to 4 students at a time in 30-minute sessions, 4 times per week for 25+ weeks, with a 50+ hour dosage target.
Findings
- Null effect: The study found no meaningful difference in overall math scores between students assigned to Cignition tutoring and those who were not.
- Students received, on average, 35.9 hours of tutoring (out of a 50-hour goal). 27% of students reached the 50-hour goal. At one site where 93% did reach the goal, results were notably better (+0.49 SDs).
- One subgroup showed a significant negative result: English learners, but the sample size (n=16) was likely too small to be reliable. All other student group comparisons showed no significant differences.
- Students in the comparison group received about 35 fewer minutes of total math instruction per week than tutored students, about 15 minutes more per week on asynchronous math programs, such as Khan Academy or i-Ready, and 15–20 more minutes per week with an interventionist. At all four schools sessions were held during a designated intervention block so treatment students did not miss general instruction time.
- Most students attended just one online charter school, so results may not generalize broadly. The standout result at the highest-dosage site was based on only 31 students, a small sample.
| Research Partner | The University of Michigan Youth Policy Lab |
| Study Year | 2024-25 |
| Study Location | 4 schools (US Midwest and Northeast), 3 in person schools and 1 virtual school |
| Modality | Virtual Synchronous |
| Study Design | RCT |
| Total Sample | 462 students randomized (236 treatment / 226 control), 4 schools |
| Characteristics of Treatment Group | Female: 56.4% White: 52.5% Black: 22% Hispanic: 17.8% Other Race(s): 7.6% English Language Learner: 3% Individual Education Plan: 12.3% Free/Reduced Price Lunch: 55.1% |
| Subject | Math |
| Grades | 3, 4, 5, 6 |
| Average Actual Dosage | 35.9 hours |
| Scheduled Dosage | 60 hours |
