A critical part of improving educational results for children with disabilities is using effective practices in the classroom and across the school.
What are evidence based practices?
One way to help your child succeed is to know if the school is using effective teaching and intervention practices. But how can schools and parents know if a practice is effective? One method is to see if there is any research or “evidence” to prove that the practice works.
- MiMTSS Evidence Based Practices from Michigan’s Multi-Tiered System of Supports Technical Assistance Center
- START Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) page and handout describes this decision-making model
How do I know if my school/teacher is using evidence based practices?
You can ask the teacher or principal about the research supporting the practice. At your child’s IEP meeting, it is important to ask whether there is evidence that supports the academic, social and behavioral practices or interventions that are being proposed.
What does the law say about making evidence-based decisions?
Using Evidence to Strengthen Education Investments helps support evidence-based decision-making by states, districts, schools, educators, and partners.
- Using Evidence to Strengthen Education Investments US Department of Education- Guidance to help stakeholders make more effective decisions to improve outcomes for students.
How do I find the research on evidence based practices?
The U.S. Department of Education and other organizations maintain websites and databases with information on evidence-based practices in the field of education.
- What Works Clearinghouse produces practice guides and reports with recommendations for schools on interventions in various topical areas.
- Tips for preventing and addressing Behavior Problems
- Doing What Works Library helps educators understand and use research-based practice.
- Best Evidence Encyclopedia presents reviews of research-proven educational programs.
- Iris Center has summaries of research about the effectiveness of instructional strategies and interventions.
What else should I know?
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