Evidence of program effectiveness was measured by assessed value added; comparison of students’ assessed scores in schools receiving the curriculum (treatment) and those in control schools; and percentages of students achieving a 70% performance score.

Students receiving the curriculum made significant gains in the number of correct answers from pre- to post-test assessment, and also significantly outperformed control-group students who did not receive the curriculum.

• There was a 50.9% increase in average student scores from pretest to post-test assessment
  • In Memphis, the value added was 54%
  • In Nashville, the value added was 37.3%
• Students who were taught the financial literacy curriculum scored 37.8% higher, on average, than students who did not receive financial literacy instruction
• In both cities, the percentage of students scoring at least 70% on the assessment was significantly higher, both after receiving the curriculum, and compared to the control schools.

*Results of 1,329 fourth grade students

• 79% of teachers agree that the learning in this program is transferable to other disciplines and the real world
• 72% of teachers said their students enjoyed the curriculum
• 71% agreed that their students learned skills that will last for a considerable period of his/her lifetime
• 68% of teachers believe that this learning is significant and/or will have a major effect on how their students will function
• 63% believe that each classroom exercise provides a reliable and valid measure of the students’ levels of achievement of the objectives

• Smart TN was not only useful to my students but was very helpful to me as well
• My students found it interesting and engaging
• The students were able to do hands-on activities
• Highly integrated with math
• Teaches students about their financial future in a positive manner
• It really helped me to show the students how to budget, the purpose of saving, and why their parents may not be able to afford the things they ask for right away