A Think Twice Review of:

Better Evidence, Better Choices, Better Schools: State Supports for Evidence-Based School Improvement

Think Twice - Jan 12, 2017

Publisher/Think Tank - Center for American Progress and Knowledge Alliance

Author(s) - Steve Fleischman, Caitlin Scott, and Scott Sargrad

The Center for American Progress (CAP) and Knowledge Alliance released a report on the evidence-based provisions of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). The report called for a shift away from federal mandates toward greater state and local autonomy. It sought to provide guidance for school districts seeking to make decisions based on evidence to improve their lowest performing schools. And lastly, the report offered eight key recommendations for implementing evidence-based strategies.

Reviewer(s) - Terri S. Wilson, University of Colorado Boulder

An academic review of the report found that the report raises a number of important issues regarding the implementation of ESSA, yet the guidance offered to practitioners is “vague and unsubstantiated.” The advice provided to practitioners lacked evidence and specifics.