Coffee and Conversation: New Funding for Studies of the Use of Research Evidence in Education

Session Type: Invited Speaker Session

Abstract

As AERA celebrates its centennial year, the challenge of bringing evidence from education research to improve policy and practice for our diverse population has never been more pressing. Moreover, recent federal legislation offers new opportunities for research evidence to make a difference, as the Every Student Succeeds Act calls for the use of evidence in implementing programs and policies to improve student performance and reduce gaps.

Since 2009, the William T. Grant Foundation has supported studies to increase understanding of when, how, and under what conditions research evidence is used. Based on these and other studies, we are now in position to better understand the structures and incentives needed so that research evidence can help guide improvement.

In late 2015, we launched a new phase of this initiative to support research on creating conditions to improve the use of research evidence in ways that benefit youth. First, we invite studies that identify or test actionable strategies to improve the use of existing research. This includes descriptive studies that reveal the strategies and mechanisms for improving research use. This also includes evaluations of deliberate efforts to increase routine and beneficial uses of research in deliberations and decisions that affect young people. Second, we invite studies to identify or test strategies for producing more useful research evidence. This includes examining incentives, structures, and relationships that facilitate the production of research that responds to the needs of decision makers. Third, we call for projects that test the assumption that using high quality research leads to better policy decisions than enhance youth outcomes.

We invite scholars who share our interests to join us for coffee at an interactive, informational session where we will discuss our interests and respond to ideas for future projects.

Sub Unit

• AERA Sessions

Chair

• Adam Gamoran, William T. Grant Foundation

Presenter

• Adam Gamoran, William T. Grant Foundation