Studies + Research

We believe in providing evidence-based programs. We believe in measuring the impact of our work. Here we share the studies and research that we publish led by the Big Thought Institute.

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Evaluation Report: Dallas City of Learning Student Outcomes, January 2020

The Center on Research and Evaluation at Southern Methodist University completed an evaluation of Dallas City of Learning (DCoL), the summer learning ecosystem in Dallas, Texas that comprises over 2,700 different summer learning opportunities for...

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Summer—A Time for Learning: Five Lessons From School Districts and Their Partners About Running Successful Programs

The Wallace Foundation,...

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Elementary Male Student
Shaping Summertime Experiences: Opportunities to Promote Healthy Development and Well-Being for Children and Youth

A study of summertime experiences for young people offers recommendations for improving the quality, equity and effectiveness of summer programming. This report by the National Academies of Science’s Committee on Summertime Experiences and...

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Dallas City of Learning (DCOL) Powered by Big Thought

Preliminary Data Inventory Report: Program Partners, Youth & Family Participants, & Partner Support from Big Thought, November...

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Summer: A Time for Learning. Five Lessons from School Districts and Their Partners About Running Successful Programs

Five lessons from school districts and their partners about running successful...

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outdoor summer learning
Getting to Work on Summer Learning: Recommended Practices for Success, 2nd ed.

Big Thought and Dallas ISD, along with four other urban public-private partnerships, participated in a multi-year research study funded by the Wallace Foundation to develop and implement summer learning programs to help close the opportunity gap....

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