EbaePostivelyAffect

From LiteracyTentWiki

Evidence that Evidence-based Approaches will be Useful, will Improve Programs, Positively affect Learner Outcomes?

• “The basic assumption I would challenge is the notion that standardization is actually desirable (in the sense of baseline programs, for example). Why? Ironically, evidence would seem to suggest that evidence based instruction doesn't actually make that much difference to outcomes-- if anybody has evidence that it does, I'd love to see it.” [Message 42, Part One]

• Reply to [Message 42, Part One] “I’d very much like to know what evidence is being cited here. Though I’m not a researcher, this perspective isn’t really consistent with my experience as a program director and practitioner. For the past seven years, 15 members of my staff and I have met monthly to look at research and program data and use it as a guide for improving our agency performance (enrollment, retention, pre/post rate, learning gains, GED attainment). It’s been very successful and our performance has improved dramatically in these areas. The bigger question we grapple with is….what do these outcomes really tell us? If 67% of our GED students now pass the GED test each year, can we really assume that these adults now have the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in their adult roles? As a practitioner I have no doubt whatsoever that an evidence-based system would improve outcomes. If there is agreement on the outcome, and practitioners implement research-based practices and watch their performance data, those outcomes will improve. The thing I worry about is who’s determining which outcomes and the impact that has on the evolution of practice. “ [Message 53, Part One]