Evidence-based reform in education

Abstract

This article proposes an approach to education reform in which government encourages schools to use programs and practices proven to be effective in rigorous evaluations. In this system, teachers and school leaders would be able to select among a variety of proven methods, and could receive funds to help them adopt and implement these programs. Government would help build up a set of proven programs for all grade levels and many subjects, and would provide support to help schools choose and implement proven programs, but schools would have freedom to choose whatever works for their students. This policy, it is argued, would promote innovation and reform without top-down mandates, building knowledge as it increases effective teaching and improved outcomes for students.

Keywords

• reforms
• research
• decision-making