Our Impact on Student Achievement

Educator Survey Highlights

The following represents five years of data collection from teachers and students.

• 86% of teachers surveyed observe an increase in student engagement when using Facing the Future resources in their classroom
• 93% say Facing the Future resources help increase their students’ critical thinking skills
• 95% say Facing the Future resources increase their students’ global perspective
• 83% say Facing the Future resources increase their students’ belief that they can make a difference on global issues
• 69% say their students are more likely to take action to help solve global issues after using Facing the Future curriculum resources 
• 75% of students showed improvement in their knowledge about global issues and sustainability from the pre-test to the post-test
• 50% of students became more confident that they can help solve community and global issues and that their actions have an impact on people and places in other parts of the world. (There was no change for 21% of students – many of whom already felt confident about their impact)
• Facing the Future programming is equally effective with students of different races and ethnicities 

Student Quotes

Quotes from students about their experience with Facing the Future curriculum resources

"We learned a lot about global issues, but we did it in a fun way and it was never boring." 
- 5th Grade Student, Bellevue, WA

"It's part of the reason I decided to go to India this summer because I'm aware of what is going on outside the USA."
- High School Student, Bainbridge Island, WA

"Because of the Facing the Future unit, I know how to see things as a whole and not to look at things in pieces."
- 6th Grade Student, Whitinsville, MA

"The Facing the Future unit made me feel like I was a part of something, rather than another person on the sidelines. It gave me a better worldview."
- 8th Grade Student, Los Angeles, CA

"The Facing the Future unit has made me understand many factors, perspectives, and implications of global issues. Before I didn't realize that many of the issues were occurring, and I didn't know how to help. Now I am a lot more educated."
- 6th Grade Student, Seattle, WA

"I liked all of the Facing the Future class because it wasn't all lecture or all hands-on, but a mix of both, which was activating."
- 11th Grade Student, Seattle, WA

"Because of the Facing the Future unit, I think more about the world and what my purpose is in it."
- 7th Grade Student, Seattle, WA

"This unit has made me think differently. For example, when I want to go to my friend’s house and my mom asks me if I need a ride I just say ‘I’ll take my bike.'"
- 6th Grade Student, Danvers, MA

“The Facing the Future unit has made me think of myself as important in creating a sustainable Earth.”
- 6th Grade Student, Whitinsville, MA

"Personally, I just think it has helped me to care more."
- High School Student, Seattle, WA

"Because of this unit I know how to speak out in my community and do things that will benefit people in other countries."
- 6th Grade Student, Harrisonburg, VA

"It made me think differently because I used to do whatever I wanted to - I mean kill birds, throw garbage in the streets, rivers, and forests. But now I'm conscious that I have to take care of everything because I will use it and maybe my sons will use it too."
- High School Student, Seattle, WA

"It [the global issues unit] makes me feel like before I was deaf and now my ears are unclogged. Things seem a lot clearer now - not more pleasant, but I can do something about them."
- 6th Grade Student, Seattle, WA

"I learned how much I can actually do."
- 5th Grade Student, Bellevue, WA

"Facing the Future has made me think about the whole world and not just the U.S. or myself."
- 8th Grade Student, Los Angeles, CA

"The Facing the Future unit has made me think that there is a chance for the future, if we try. It made me think of what I can do to help."
- 6th Grade Student, Seattle, WA

"This unit made me look forward to the future."
- 7th Grade Student, Kansas, OK