The purpose of this training program is to help build the capacity of higher-education faculty, education researchers, and staff of local and state education agencies to effectively use evidence-based interventions to improve student and school outcomes. The program will train the participants in evaluation methods that are centered around the cycle of continuous improvement.

The program will train approximately 105 participants (3 cohorts of 35 participants) through a summer workshops and coaching during the academic year. The program will actively recruit those in or working with districts serving traditionally underrepresented populations and faculty from minority-serving institutions along with potential partners from their surrounding school districts. The workshop content will focus on evaluation methods linked to the five phases of the cycle of continuous improvement including (1) identify critical needs; (2) research and select an evidence-based strategy; (3) plan for implementation; (4) implement and monitor; and (5) examine, reflect, and adjust. Participants will learn to critically evaluate and appraise the quality of research evidence and navigate evidence-based interventions clearinghouses (such as the What Works Clearinghouse) in order to increase their knowledge of and skills for selecting, implementing, and evaluating evidence-based interventions that meet school or district needs. The coaching activities during the academic year will use a distance-based coaching model, and coaching will be informed by each team's stage of selection or implementation of evidence-based interventions they are using.