In School Settings Are All RCTs (Randomized Control Trials) Exploratory?

• In Event: Roundtable Session 12
  In Roundtable Session: Current Studies in Program Evaluation to Improve Student Achievement Outcomes

Abstract

The authors draw on their experience of conducting 20 randomized trials (RCTs) in school settings to give a critique of current practice in program evaluation research contracted by the US Department of Education (ED), especially of impact evaluations meant to inform national policy rather than questions specific to the school districts in which the research is conducted. National and local priorities may differ, and RCTs are often not in line with local needs. The authors state and critique five assumptions associated with the use of RCTs in large-scale impact evaluations, but that may not apply for local evaluations where results need to be not only internally valid, but relevant, actionable, and serve the best interests of participants.

Authors

• Denis Newman, Empirical Education Inc.

• Andrew P. Jaciw, Empirical Education Inc.