The field of education is progressively building capacity and tools for producing rigorous research evidence to use in improving educational practice and outcomes. The knowledge base is lacking, however, in explicating the dynamics of research-based decision making and exploring connections between the work of research-practice partnerships and…

Data use and decision-making--these two phrases have appeared together in probably hundreds of education articles and have been the topic of a host of presentations during the past decade. In addition, research studies have confirmed the importance of data-informed decision-making to school improvement. Thus, school leaders have found it makes…

This report discusses the most relevant issues concerning using student test results in OECD countries. Initially the report provides an overview of how student test results are reported in OECD countries and how stakeholders in these countries use and perceive of the results. The report then reviews the literature relating to using student test…

In order to correct the existing breach between the educational researcher and the educator, it is advocated that Action Research replace the "common sense" approach used by most educators. The history of Action Research is traced and a comparison between formal educational research, Action Research, and the "common sense" approach is made.…

The University of Pittsburgh Program for the Study of Knowledge Use is conducting methodological research on knowledge use and school improvement. The Pittsburgh Program, established in 1978, is an interdisciplinary program designed to conduct research, provide instruction, and offer technical services. Specifically, the purposes of the program…

Phase 1 goal of a project was to provide the theoretical and methodological base for formulation of a prototype model of a comprehensive and effective system of disseminating vocational education improvement products. Major activities were divided into five categories: literature reviews, conferences and workshops, consultations, questionnaire…

The effectiveness of four technical assistance-oriented services/products of one regional educational laboratory was studied. The services/products studied included a thinking skills activities workbook for classroom teachers, a videotape for rural educators on exemplary software for developing the thinking skills of at-risk students, a research…