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What's New
States, Schools Report on Usefulness of What Works Clearinghouse
A recent Government Accountability Office report recommending some improvements to the What Works Clearinghouse provided some perspective on state and school district awareness of WWC activities.
The report, Improved Dissemination and Timely Product Release Would Enhance the Usefulness of the What Works Clearinghouse, contained findings from a survey of state education agencies and school districts. They were reported in a review GAO recently presented to the Department of Education.
Established by the Institute of Education Sciences in 2002, the What Works Clearinghouse acts as a source for scientific evidence in education. The WWC produces user-friendly practice guides for educators, assesses the rigor of research evidence on the effectiveness of interventions such as curricula and other programs, and develops and implements standards for education research.
The findings around awareness and use include:
- Some 42 percent of school districts and 33 out of 38 state education agencies were familiar with the work of WWC.
- About 72 percent of the districts that have used WWC reports (practice guides, intervention reports and quick reviews) reported that these products informed their decisions a small or moderate amount, while 18 percent of districts reported a large or very large impact on their decision making.
- Intervention reports were the most popular among schools. About 21 percent of districts used these reports to a large or very large extent, compared to 10 percent who used the practice guides in this extensive way.
- Both states and districts reported they would use the Clearinghouse more often if it reviewed more programs used in their local area, produced reports showing positive effects, and provided more timely information.
The key recommendations in the study have already been implemented or are in the process of being implemented. IES hopes to have all aspects of these recommendations fully implemented early in fiscal year 2011.