Babcock & Wilcox Enterprises' OGAP Program Earns Prestigious ESSA Tier I Recognition

Babcock & Wilcox Enterprises Strengthens Educational Impact with OGAP Program Recognition

Babcock & Wilcox Enterprises recently celebrates a significant achievement for its BW Walch division, as its Ongoing Assessment Project (OGAP) Professional Learning program receives an ESSA Tier I: Strong Evidence rating by Evidence for ESSA. This prestigious recognition positions OGAP among the leading K–8 math professional learning programs in the United States. The rating is a result of a rigorous randomized controlled trial conducted by the Consortium for Policy Research in Education at the University of Pennsylvania, which assessed the program's implementation in Grades 3 to 5 across 61 schools in the Philadelphia School District, involving nearly 3,500 students. The findings reveal that students engaged in the OGAP program substantially outperform their peers in control schools on the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA), achieving a notable average effect size of +0.20.

The impact of the OGAP program extends beyond student performance; it also enhances teachers' understanding of mathematical reasoning. Educators participating in the program demonstrate a deeper comprehension of how students think about mathematics, which is crucial for effective teaching. Jessica Jeffers, Division Manager of OGAP Math, highlights that the program equips teachers with critical skills, enabling them to connect current lessons to students' future learning needs. This connection is vital to preventing struggles in Algebra, a key area of concern as students progress in their education. The comprehensive nature of the OGAP program includes summer institutes, ongoing professional learning communities, and coaching, ensuring that educators receive continuous support and resources.

By focusing on four essential strands of mathematical reasoning—additive, multiplicative, fractional, and proportional—OGAP not only improves immediate teaching practices but also prepares students for future academic challenges. The recognition of OGAP as the only K-5 professional learning system to earn an ESSA Tier I rating emphasizes its effectiveness and commitment to educational excellence. This achievement underscores Babcock & Wilcox's dedication to fostering educational advancements that ultimately benefit both educators and students across the nation.

In addition to the OGAP program's recognition, Babcock & Wilcox continues to explore innovative educational solutions that align with emerging trends in teaching and learning. The company remains committed to enhancing its product offerings and ensuring that they meet the evolving needs of educators and students alike. As Babcock & Wilcox expands its presence in the education sector, it is poised to contribute further to improving educational outcomes through its targeted professional development initiatives.