Albert Shanker Institute

For Immediate Release
June 5, 2002

From Best Evidence to What Works:
A Forum Series Linking Sound Research to Classroom Practice

The Albert Shanker Institute is launching a distinctive new forum series designed to highlight the best available research on specific educational issues, then to link these findings to practical steps that schools can take to improve student achievement. The series will explore the research base and key findings on topics such as: improving the language and pre-literacy development of three- and four-year-olds; effective professional development; designing professional development programs that have a demonstrable effect on student learning; and school- and classroom-based strategies to reduce violence and modify student behavior.

In a policy environment where students and schools are required to demonstrate ever-increasing standards of performance, it is crucial that educators have access to reliable information that allows them to distinguish between promising, research-based methods to improve instruction and interesting, but unproven educational theories. We believe that an essential first step is to strengthen the connection between consensus research and the policy and practice of education.

Forum topics will be chosen on the basis of whether or not the weight of evidence suggests that modifications in standard educational practice are warranted. Presentations will not seek to promote the particular approach of any individual or organization. Rather, the research findings to be discussed in each forum are selected by conferring with leading researchers across the country and identifying areas of significance about which there is wide agreement. This consultation process was also used to help guide the design of the forums and select topics for discussion.

For each topic, a prominent researcher will be asked to present an overview of the research consensus. This will be followed by a discussion of the implications of the research for the improvement of practice, as well as any implementation and/or outcome information that exists on the use of instructional strategies based on this research. Selected policymakers will also be asked to comment.

The four Washington-based luncheon forums are planned for the spring and early summer of 2002. Participants will include policymakers, journalists, and representatives of education organizations and think tanks. The forum proceedings will be summarized and shared with all invitees.

Careful attention has been paid to the quality of research considered for this discussion series. Research findings to be included in the study will either:

Reflect strong findings, based on at least two well-designed experimental studies or two or more quasi-experimental design studies (including the use of appropriate measures, high internal and external validity, consistent longitudinal data, and corroboration by an independent third-party evaluator). These studies should be supported by a preponderance of evidence from other relevant research. Or,

Reflect a promising a new direction based on the preponderance of existing evidence on an important topic. A single quasi-experiment design coupled with a body of relevant research with corroborative findings. Such research may be featured when it would act to offer an important new insight on a topic on which schools need immediate assistance, but where further research is needed for the findings to be considered definitive.

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