Leveraging Efficacy with What Works Clearinghouse

Featured Resource | Educational Leaders

In an era that necessitates evidence-based practices in education, resources that can provide reliable insights are invaluable for modern school leaders. One such resource is the What Works Clearinghouse (WWC), a comprehensive research database that is as robust as it is relevant.

The What Works Clearinghouse, accessible at https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/, is a tool provided by the Institute of Education Sciences. WWC focuses on offering detailed reviews of the effectiveness of a wide range of programs, practices, and policies in education. Its primary objective is to provide educators and policymakers with information they can trust and rely on to make informed decisions.

The key aspect of the WWC is its rigorous standards. It critically examines research studies on a program’s effectiveness, ensuring the information provided is not just accurate but is also meaningful and applicable. By focusing only on the most reliable research, the WWC maintains its commitment to quality, making it an ideal resource for school leaders dedicated to efficacy.

The WWC's website is user-friendly and offers multiple methods to search for information. One can filter the results by topic, grade, or population, making the navigation process as simple as possible. This detailed categorization is incredibly beneficial, especially for school leaders, as it provides a quick reference guide for the most suitable programs.

The WWC also helps leaders save time. The Clearinghouse does the work of collating, reviewing, and summarizing the research on your behalf. This allows school leaders to spend less time sifting through numerous studies and more time focusing on what matters most – implementing strategies that work to benefit the students.

But perhaps, one of the most invaluable aspects of the WWC is its potential for promoting equity in education. By providing school leaders with the tools to identify and implement the most effective practices, it helps ensure that all students, regardless of their background, have access to the highest quality education.

In conclusion, the What Works Clearinghouse is not just a database of information. It's a treasure trove of carefully evaluated, evidence-based practices, programs, and strategies. It's a tool that empowers school leaders to make informed, effective decisions. By leveraging the WWC, today's school leaders are better equipped to make a difference in their schools and, ultimately, in the lives of their students.

Stay tuned for our next article where we'll delve into another invaluable resource for today's school leaders – Evidence for ESSA.