From 51% to 69%
Transforming Writing Instruction Leads to 35% Growth
How two 5th-grade teachers at an elementary school in Southern California used Curipod to beat the benchmark — driving 100% student growth and the highest gains in the district, in a school where 87% of students qualify for free and reduced-price lunch.
A 5th-Grade Success Story
In a school where 87% of students qualify for free and reduced-price lunch and nearly all (94%) are Hispanic, with many English learners, teachers navigate complex challenges every day. And the student outcomes tell a story of resilience.
For veteran teacher Ms. M., now in her 25th year, the challenge was personal. A seasoned math teacher, she was also responsible for 5th-grade ELA. Ms. M. and her teaching partner knew that writing and feedback would be central to helping students succeed on the CAASPP — and that traditional methods alone wouldn't be enough.
“I cannot do it physically. I cannot give immediate feedback to 30 students at once, but with Curipod, it is possible. I wish I had this 20 years ago.
— Ms. M., 5th Grade Teacher
5th-grade students using Curipod
School Profile
100% of Students Show Growth with Curipod
Ms. M. and her teaching partner integrated Curipod 2–3 times a week for short constructed response (SCR) practice leading up to CAASPP. They tapped into student choice by encouraging students to write about topics they loved, which kept engagement high.
With Curipod's real-time, targeted feedback, students could write, reflect, and revise immediately, strengthening their arguments and evidence on the spot. By the end of the 2024–25 school year, results from the 5th-grade team stood out across the district.
Engaging passages keep students motivated
Real-time AI feedback on every response
Three Ways Curipod Changed the Classroom
Specific, Actionable Guidance
“It's super targeted … the feedback said, ‘Make sure your evidence supports your main idea sentence,’ and we went back and found a better one.”
— Ms. M., 5th Grade TeacherInstant Confidence-Building
“Some kids just will say, ‘I'm a struggling writer,’ but when you get the instantaneous feedback … it's very specific. It builds their confidence.”
— Ms. M., 5th Grade TeacherStudent Breakthroughs
“I had a student who was not meeting standards in fourth grade and then got a perfect score on state testing in 5th … it had to be from how they were getting instantaneous feedback.”
— Ms. M., 5th Grade TeacherExceeding the District Benchmark
In ELA, the percentage of students meeting or exceeding standards on the CAASPP jumped from 50.7% in 4th grade to 68.6% in 5th grade. Even more telling, while other grade levels scored lower on CAASPP than on their district benchmark, these students exceeded it — scoring 66% on the district benchmark and 68% on CAASPP.
“It's the most revolutionary tool in my teaching career.
— Ms. M., 5th Grade Teacher
Teachers credited one factor above all others: consistent use of Curipod for writing practice and real-time feedback. Not only did this group of 5th graders surpass district averages, but they also delivered some of the highest gains in the entire district.
5th-grade students using Curipod
Future-Ready Learning
At this school, the 5th-grade team proved that growth is possible when the right tools meet strong teaching. With Curipod, students gained confidence, sharpened their writing, and exceeded district benchmarks. Ms. M. sees Curipod not just as a test prep tool but as a foundation for future-ready learning.
Students in class
Writing responses
AI feedback
It's definitely 21st century learning … moving forward into the rest of their education, technology can be an asset … it's not cheating, you use it appropriately and it's a powerful tool.
— Ms. M., 5th Grade Teacher