What Works Clearinghouse

Definition

The What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) is an initiative by the U.S. Department of Education aimed at providing educators and policymakers with information on the effectiveness of various educational programs, practices, and policies. By systematically reviewing research studies, the WWC identifies evidence-based interventions to improve educational outcomes and promotes the use of such evidence in decision-making processes.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The WWC evaluates education research by applying strict standards for methodological quality to ensure credible results.
2. It categorizes findings into 'strong', 'moderate', or 'weak' evidence, helping users understand the reliability of different interventions.
3. The WWC provides resources such as practice guides that offer actionable recommendations based on rigorous evidence.
4. The clearinghouse not only reviews existing studies but also promotes the importance of conducting high-quality research in education.
5. By encouraging the use of evidence-based practices, the WWC aims to bridge the gap between research and real-world educational practices.

Review Questions

• How does the What Works Clearinghouse contribute to improving educational outcomes?
  • The What Works Clearinghouse enhances educational outcomes by systematically reviewing research studies to identify effective programs and practices. By providing clear categorizations of evidence quality, it helps educators and policymakers make informed decisions based on reliable data. This approach fosters a culture of using evidence-based practices within schools and districts, ultimately leading to improved student achievement.
• Evaluate the impact of the WWC's evidence categorization on education policy development.
  • The WWC's categorization of evidence into 'strong', 'moderate', or 'weak' greatly influences education policy development by guiding policymakers toward interventions with proven effectiveness. This structured approach encourages the adoption of evidence-based strategies while discouraging reliance on unproven methods. As a result, policies are more likely to lead to positive outcomes for students, as they are built on a foundation of solid research.
• Discuss the challenges faced by the What Works Clearinghouse in promoting evidence use in policy and practice.
  • The What Works Clearinghouse encounters several challenges in promoting evidence use in policy and practice, including resistance from educators who may be skeptical about research findings or prefer traditional methods. Additionally, there is often a gap between research and real-world application, as schools may lack the resources or training needed to implement evidence-based practices effectively. Lastly, ongoing debates about what constitutes quality research can complicate consensus on which interventions should be adopted in various educational contexts.

Related terms

Evidence-Based Practices: Interventions or strategies that have been proven effective through rigorous research and evaluation.

Randomized Controlled Trials: A type of scientific experiment that aims to reduce bias when testing the effectiveness of new treatments or interventions by randomly assigning participants to either the treatment group or the control group.

Education Policy: Laws, regulations, and actions that govern educational systems and institutions, influencing how education is delivered and assessed.