Program Description
Classtime is a digital formative assessment platform designed to support mathematics, English Language Arts, and science instruction through interactive practice and real-time feedback. Teachers assign problem sets aligned with state standards and use dashboards that display student responses instantly, allowing them to identify misconceptions and adjust instruction during or after lessons. The platform includes activities intended to develop strategic thinking and familiarize students with question formats commonly used on state assessments.
Program Outcomes
A quasi-experimental study examined the impact of Classtime’s math assessment on mathematics achievement among students in grades 3–6 in a large urban California school district. The study included 6,853 students across 28 schools, with 10 schools implementing Classtime and 18 comparison schools. The sample included a high proportion of economically disadvantaged students (88%), as well as 27% English learners and 13% students receiving special education services; the district serves a majority Hispanic/Latino student population (76%). Students in Classtime schools scored significantly higher on the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) mathematics assessment than students in comparison schools after controlling for baseline math achievement and student demographics (effect size = +0.05). Effects were strongest among sixth-grade students, with larger gains also observed in schools with a second year of implementation. Because treatment was assigned at the school level but analyses were conducted at the student level without adjusting for clustering, the findings qualify for a Promising rating.
Staffing Requirements
For a successful implementation of Classtime, the following staff members are typically involved:
● School/District Staff: Users include classroom teachers and their students. Support and oversight are provided by instructional coaches, math coaches, curriculum/assessment coordinators, school principals, and district leadership.
● Classtime Support: Classtime provides educational consultants and regional sales managers who work directly with districts to support implementation, training, and data analysis.
Professional Development/Training
Kick-off Training: A foundational session delivered in person or online (typically 6 hours) as early as possible in the school year.
Ongoing Support: Follow-up grade-specific sessions in both the fall and spring (typically 1–2 hours each).
Training Focus: PD sessions are designed to teach educators how to use the platform’s specific features, understand the strategic thinking needed to be successful in math, science, and ELA; and analyze questions to determine appropriate instructional strategies.
Overall: Successful implementations have included full kick-off days plus four on-site focus blocks with teachers.
Technology
Classtime is a web-based platform with minimal hardware requirements:
- Hardware: Students and teachers require computers or tablets. The software is compatible with any device, including smartphones.
- Connectivity: Reliable internet connectivity is required.
- Software: Any modern web browser (e.g., Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge).
- Integrations: The platform supports two-way synchronization and SSO with common educational tools like Google Classroom and Clever.