Welcome to Student Outcomes: Connect the Dots With Usage Data. This post is the second in a three-part series designed to support education leaders in making better decisions about digital resources. The series will focus on using data to ensure equitable digital learning access and using research to increase the instructional impact of digital resources. Here’s where you can read part one and part three of this series.
Finding EdTech Efficacy Studies
Two of the most comprehensive and reputable repositories for studies are Evidence for ESSA and What Works Clearinghouse. Let’s explore how to use these sites effectively.
Evidence for ESSA
This site was developed by the Center for Research and Reform in Education at Johns Hopkins University to provide information in line with the Every Student Succeeds Act’s evidence requirements.
Here’s how to use the site to find relevant studies:
What Works Clearinghouse
Under the U.S. Department of Education, the Institute for Education created What Works Clearinghouse to provide educators with the information they need to make evidence-based decisions.
Here’s how to use the site to find relevant studies:
How To Proceed if You Can’t Find an Application
If you can’t find a particular application on either website, it is still possible that researchers have completed unevaluated studies.
Check for studies on the vendor’s website under an “efficacy,” “evidence,” or “research” page. Since a third party has not summarized the paper, it will take longer to interpret the findings, but we’ll share tips for interpreting and applying those insights for your district in part three of this blog series.
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