When thinking about quality, there are several entities that can help you navigate the education research space. For example, the Institute of Education Sciences embarked on a mission with the Regional Educational Laboratories (RELs) and the What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) to build a body of research that education practitioners can apply with confidence. The IES approach and use of Practice Guides was largely inspired by the medical profession, where the research basis for interventions is extremely rigorous and results in carefully crafted recommendations.
The Pensarus network is comprised of a number of researcher and practitioner experts who have helped to build and disseminate the WWC body of research. And, despite incredible access achieved via the information era, we find numerous schools mis-using educational practices and mis-applying educational research. That is in addition to cases where educators simply are not aware of best practices.
School teams need additional training in how to use and apply research. This directly inline with funding, as foundations recognize the value of well-informed, well-designed educational programs when determining where to make investments. Today, grants are increasingly tied to performance outcomes and IES research–for example, the current AT&T Aspire Local High School Impact Initiative.
The AT&T grant competition requires applicants to demonstrate their application of WWC recommendations for dropout prevention. This includes the use of data systems, adult advocates, academic support/enrichment, social/behavioral interventions, personalized learning, and rigourous and relevant instruction.
The education field changes rapidly and sometimes it is hard for educators–immersed in the school buildings–to keep pace with what we are learning through research. In such situations, an infusion of outside expertise can help schools gain the perspective necessary to move above and beyond proficiency.
