Case Study

Cleveland County: From Flat Scores to 15-Point Science Gains

A bar graph comparing average 8th grade science End-of-Grade (EOG) proficiency across Cleveland County middle schools in 2024–2025 and 2025–2026, showing a 15-point increase year over year.

Teacher-Led Instruction Drives Year-One Growth

In just one year, Cleveland County's middle schools using Stile saw Grade 8 science EOG proficiency climb from 49.1 percent to 64.1 percent.

Overview

Changing Science Classrooms—and Results

When Cleveland County Schools' 8th grade science results came back flat at the end of 2024–2025, the district turned to Stile, North Carolina's state-adopted science curriculum for Grades 6–8. One year later, middle schools implementing with high fidelity helped drive a 15-point gain in districtwide 8th grade EOG proficiency. Powered by discourse, real-time data, and hands-on instruction, Cleveland County's science classrooms now hum with discussion and inquiry—and the data proves it's working.

District:Cleveland County Schools
Subject:Science
Grade:6–8
Topic:Academic Achievement, Growth Goals, Implementation and Practice

Testimonials

“As a beginning teacher, I’m still learning all of the engagement techniques, like polling, turn-and-talks, and other discussion strategies. Having those options built right into the lesson helps me try new things and figure out what works best for each class.”

— Leighia Jones, Crest Middle School Science Teacher

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