ACUE Research Insights
Explore the research that underpins ACUE’s evidence-based practices–comprehensive studies showing measurable improvements in teaching and learning outcomes.
Case Studies
Improved Student Grades
Texas A&M System faculty who completed ACUE certification courses saw students’ average grades rise from 2.69 at baseline to 2.86 the following year, with significantly greater gains than in comparison sections.
Research Reports
The Impact of the ACUE Certification on Student
Outcomes in the Texas A&M University System
March 2025
ACUE certification leads to significant and sustained improvements in student outcomes across the Texas A&M System.
March 2025
The Impact of the ACUE Certification on Student Outcomes in the Texas A&M University System
ACUE certification leads to significant and sustained improvements in student outcomes across the Texas A&M System.
August 2023
Impacts of Faculty Development on
Faculty’s Mindsets and Self-Efficacy
ACUE certification enhanced faculty self-efficacy and mindsets, and students also reported improvements in their own self-efficacy and growth mindset.
March 2023
Positive Average Effect of ACUE-Certified Faculty on Student Course Outcomes: A Meta-Analysis
A meta-analysis of 11 evaluations shows a significant, positive average effect of ACUE certification on students’ academic outcomes.
September 2022
Improving Performance at the University of Arkansas – Pulaski Technical College: The Effect of ACUE Faculty on Passing and DFW Rates
ACUE certification was associated with positive impacts on grades, passing, and DFW rates, with larger impacts for Black and Hispanic/Latino students.
February 2022
First Year and Beyond: Higher Retention Rate Among First-Year Students Taught by ACUE Faculty at the University of Southern Mississippi
First-year students who took at least one course taught by an ACUE faculty member were more likely to return to USM in the subsequent academic year.
July 2021
Gateway to Gains: Improved Grades, Passing and DFW rates in Gateway Courses Taught by ACUE Faculty at the University of Southern Mississippi
Students’ outcomes in gateway courses improved when faculty completed ACUE pathway courses.
July 2021
What Happens Next?
Better Subsequent Course Grades and DFW Rates After Taking Gateway Courses With ACUE Faculty at the University of Southern Mississippi
Students who took a gateway course with ACUE faculty had lower DFW rates in their subsequent course in the same field of study.
July 2021
Cumulative Academic Impact of Students Having Multiple Course Experiences With Instructors Who Have Completed One or More ACUE Microcredential Courses
Students have better academic outcomes when they take more courses with ACUE instructors.
May 2020
Advancing Academic Equity at Broward College: Improved Course Completion and Passing, Particularly Among Pell-eligible and Black Student
Course completion and passing improved more for students of ACUE-certified faculty compared to students in matched sections, with larger impacts for Pell-eligible students and Black students.
