Babcock & Wilcox Enterprises' OGAP Program Receives Strong ESSA Rating for Math Education Excellence

Babcock & Wilcox Enterprises Enhances Education Through Innovative Math Program

Babcock & Wilcox Enterprises’ subsidiary, BW Walch, gains significant recognition for its OGAP (Ongoing Assessment Project) Professional Learning program, which receives an ESSA Tier I: Strong Evidence rating from Evidence for ESSA. This prestigious designation positions OGAP as one of the leading K–8 math professional learning initiatives in the United States. The evaluation comes from a randomized controlled trial conducted by the Consortium for Policy Research in Education at the University of Pennsylvania, which examined the program’s efficacy in Grades 3 to 5 across 61 schools in the School District of Philadelphia, involving nearly 3,500 students.

The trial results demonstrate that students participating in OGAP outperform their peers in non-OGAP schools, showcasing an average effect size of +0.20 on Pennsylvania’s standardized math assessment, the PSSA. This achievement highlights the program's effectiveness in improving student performance in mathematics. Additionally, teachers implementing the OGAP framework exhibit a more profound understanding of student mathematical reasoning, which is critical for fostering a productive learning environment. Jessica Jeffers, Division Manager of OGAP Math, notes that the program transcends mere instructional tools; it cultivates deep expertise in both math content and pedagogical strategies.

OGAP distinguishes itself as the sole K-5 professional learning system to achieve an ESSA Tier I rating, making it a benchmark for educational excellence in mathematics. The program enhances reasoning skills across four strands—additive, multiplicative, fractional, and proportional—empowering educators to connect lesson content with future learning requirements. This approach is vital in mitigating the challenges students face when transitioning to algebra. The comprehensive professional development model offered by OGAP includes summer institutes, ongoing learning communities, coaching, and access to diagnostic tools. Such resources ensure that educators can effectively leverage their existing instructional materials, ultimately leading to improved student outcomes and a robust foundation for algebra readiness.

In addition to the ESSA recognition, the emphasis on fostering teacher expertise aligns with Babcock & Wilcox Enterprises’ commitment to delivering innovative solutions that enhance educational outcomes. By investing in programs like OGAP, the company not only supports educators but also contributes to shaping future generations of learners equipped with vital mathematical skills.

Babcock & Wilcox Enterprises continues to demonstrate its dedication to education through strategic initiatives that empower teachers and improve student performance in critical subjects. The success of OGAP serves as a testament to the company’s innovative approach to professional learning, setting a high standard for educational programs nationwide.