In these test settings, various science curricula were revamped to get them to jibe with
the latest cognitive science research on effective learning, which points to more interactive approaches that include immediately and repeatedly putting new information to use.
It may be that attending a school that employs them enhances those basic
cognitive skills — such as processing speed, working memory, and reasoning — that
research in psychological
science has shown contribute to success in the classroom and
later in life.