What Works Clearinghouse

Definition

The What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) is an initiative of the Institute of Education Sciences that reviews and summarizes research on educational programs, practices, and policies. Its main goal is to provide educators and policymakers with reliable information about what works in education based on rigorous evidence, helping them make informed decisions to improve student outcomes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The WWC was established in 2002 to help educators find reliable information about effective educational practices.
2. The clearinghouse uses a systematic review process to evaluate studies, focusing on their methodology and the quality of evidence presented.
3. It provides users with practice guides, intervention reports, and reviews that summarize the effectiveness of various educational strategies.
4. The WWC addresses topics across different educational levels, including K-12 education and adult education.
5. Its findings aim to inform policy decisions and grant applications by highlighting effective interventions that can lead to improved student achievement.

Review Questions

• How does the What Works Clearinghouse ensure the reliability of its findings on educational practices?
  • The What Works Clearinghouse ensures reliability by implementing a systematic review process that critically evaluates the methodology of studies it considers. By adhering to strict standards for research design, such as randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental designs, the WWC aims to provide a credible assessment of educational programs. This rigorous approach helps educators and policymakers trust the evidence presented when making decisions about interventions in schools.
• In what ways does the What Works Clearinghouse support evidence-based practices in education?
  • The What Works Clearinghouse supports evidence-based practices by summarizing research findings and making them accessible to educators and policymakers. Through intervention reports and practice guides, it identifies effective strategies backed by rigorous research, enabling educators to implement these practices in their classrooms. By promoting a culture of using data-driven methods, the WWC fosters an environment where decisions are made based on proven effectiveness rather than anecdotal evidence.
• Evaluate the impact of the What Works Clearinghouse on educational policy and practice in the United States.
  • The impact of the What Works Clearinghouse on educational policy and practice is significant as it plays a crucial role in guiding decision-making at various levels. By providing clear, evidence-based evaluations of educational interventions, the WWC influences how funding is allocated for programs and how schools choose to implement strategies. Its emphasis on using rigorous evidence has led to a shift towards accountability in education, encouraging educators to adopt practices that are proven to enhance student achievement while also shaping federal education policy focused on outcomes.

Related terms

Institute of Education Sciences: A part of the U.S. Department of Education that focuses on collecting and analyzing education data, conducting research, and evaluating educational programs.

Evidence-Based Practices: Strategies and interventions in education that are supported by rigorous research and evidence demonstrating their effectiveness in improving student outcomes.

Meta-Analysis: A statistical technique that combines the results of multiple studies to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the effectiveness of an intervention or practice.