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Doing What Works Site Map

Research-based practices grouped by topic area

Data-Driven Improvement

  • TOPIC
    Turning Around Chronically Low-Performing Schools
    This topic includes these research-based practices.
    Improved Leadership
    Schools should make a clear commitment to dramatic departures from the status quo, and the leader should signal the magnitude and urgency of that needed change. A low-performing school...
    Focus on Instruction
    Chronically low-performing schools need to maintain a sharp focus on improving instruction at every step of the reform process. To improve instruction, schools should use data to set goals...
    Quick Wins
    Dramatic improvement on an entrenched problem, early in the turnaround process, can build enthusiasm and commitment to the larger reform effort. For example, painting, cleaning, or...
    Committed Staff
    Research has shown that many successful turnaround schools made staffing changes to ensure that the staff is committed to the school's improvement goals and is qualified to carry out...
  • TOPIC
    Response to Intervention in Primary Grade Reading
    This topic includes these research-based practices.
    Universal Screening
    Effective RtI begins with universal student screenings. Research shows that teachers can use beginning- and middle-of-the-year screenings in the primary grades to accurately predict future...
    Progress Monitoring and Differentiation
    Differentiated instruction is essential for all students, not only those receiving Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions. Teachers can vary instruction by changing content focus, amount of...
    Systematic Skill Instruction
    Instruction at Tier 2 and Tier 3 must be intensive and focused on the critical grade-level reading skills, such as phonemic awareness, decoding, reading comprehension, and fluency....
    RtI Implementation
    Implementation encompasses the groundwork and support needed to put the recommended practices into action. RtI begins with a systemwide framework that includes universal screening and...
  • TOPIC
    Response to Intervention in Elementary-Middle Math
    This topic includes these research-based practices.
    Screening and Monitoring
    The first step in RtI is universal student screening so schools can systematically identify those at risk for math difficulties. Accurate identification of at-risk students requires...
    Foundations of Arithmetic
    In grades K through 5, math interventions should focus intensely on in-depth treatment of whole numbers and operations, while grades 4 through 8 should address rational numbers as well as...
    Intentional Teaching
    Intervention instruction should be explicit and systematic, incorporating models of proficient problem solving, verbalization of thought processes, guided practice, corrective feedback,...
    RtI Implementation
    Implementation encompasses the groundwork and support needed to put the recommended practices into action. RtI begins with a systemwide framework that includes universal screening and...
  • TOPIC
    Using Student Achievement Data to Support Instructional Decision Making
    This topic includes these research-based practices.
    Cycle of Improvement
    To help all students achieve, teachers need to systematically and routinely use data to guide instructional decisions and meet students' learning needs. Data use is an ongoing cycle of...
    Student Use of Data
    Teachers should provide explicit instruction to elementary and secondary students on regularly using achievement data to monitor their own performance and establish learning goals. While...
    Vision for Data Use
    Principals need to convey a clear schoolwide vision for using data to guide instructional decision making. A strong culture of data use is critical to ensuring routine, consistent, and...
    Data-Driven Culture
    To establish a culture of data use and help teachers make instructional decisions supported by student achievement data, schools and districts need to provide a range of supports. Schools...
    Districtwide Data System
    Districts should strive to develop and maintain a high-quality districtwide data system to provide stakeholders with information necessary for timely, data-driven decisions. A high-quality...

Quality Teaching

  • TOPIC
    How to Organize Your Teaching
    This topic includes these research-based practices.
    Spacing Learning Over Time
    A key aspect of effective teaching and learning is helping students retain information over the course of the school year and beyond. Research has shown that exposing students to key...
    Examples With Practice
    Students learn more when worked examples, or solved problems, are alternated with problems to be solved. Worked examples can be provided for every other problem in a homework assignment or...
    Abstract-Concrete Connections
    Connecting abstract ideas with concrete contexts can help students understand challenging topics and learn to transfer their understanding to new situations. There are many ways teachers...
    Higher-Order Questions
    Across subject areas, when teachers ask higher-order questions and provide opportunities for students to develop deep explanations, learning is enhanced. Higher-order questions often start...

Literacy

  • TOPIC
    Preschool Language and Literacy
    This topic includes these research-based practices.
    Teach Phonological Awareness
    Phonological awareness is the ability to detect and manipulate the sounds in words independent of word meaning. It improves school readiness skills and can be taught before children learn...
    Use Interactive and Dialogic Reading
    Preschool children, ages 3 to 5, develop early reading and language skills when teachers use interactive and dialogic reading strategies. In interactive reading, children talk with the...
  • TOPIC
    Improving K-3 Reading Comprehension
    This topic includes these research-based practices.
    Teach Comprehension Strategies
    Many young readers learn to decode text but do not construct meaning with text. It’s important to teach beginning readers the strategies and mental actions that good readers use to...
    Focus on Text Structure
    Teaching text structures can help students identify the type of material they are reading, which will help them understand the content. For example, students who understand the specific...
    Engage Students With Text
    Active engagement with text helps students better understand what they are reading. Teachers can encourage student engagement with text by clearly conveying a lesson's purpose, explaining...
  • TOPIC
    Teaching Literacy in English to K-5 English Learners
    This topic includes these research-based practices.
    Screen and Monitor Progress
    English learners can learn to read at the same rate as their native English-speaking peers but may need extra support. A comprehensive core reading program includes well-developed...
    Provide Reading Interventions
    It is critical to respond in a timely fashion to potential reading difficulties indicated in formative assessment results. Reading interventions that occur daily in a small group format...
    Teach Vocabulary
    Students must be taught vocabulary through formal instruction and also provided opportunities to acquire vocabulary through use in language-rich settings in and out of the classroom....
    Develop Academic English
    Academic English is the language of school-based learning and entails understanding the structure of language and the precise way that words and phrases are used, including...
    Schedule Peer Learning
    At least 90 minutes a week should be spent on instructional activities where student pairs work together. Students at different ability levels and/or different English language proficiency...
  • TOPIC
    Response to Intervention in Primary Grade Reading
    This topic includes these research-based practices.
    Universal Screening
    Effective RtI begins with universal student screenings. Research shows that teachers can use beginning- and middle-of-the-year screenings in the primary grades to accurately predict future...
    Progress Monitoring and Differentiation
    Differentiated instruction is essential for all students, not only those receiving Tier 2 and Tier 3 interventions. Teachers can vary instruction by changing content focus, amount of...
    Systematic Skill Instruction
    Instruction at Tier 2 and Tier 3 must be intensive and focused on the critical grade-level reading skills, such as phonemic awareness, decoding, reading comprehension, and fluency....
    RtI Implementation
    Implementation encompasses the groundwork and support needed to put the recommended practices into action. RtI begins with a systemwide framework that includes universal screening and...
  • TOPIC
    Adolescent Literacy
    This topic includes these research-based practices.
    Vocabulary Instruction
    Teachers should provide explicit vocabulary instruction both as part of reading and language arts classes and as part of content area classes such as science and social studies. Learning...
    Comprehension Strategies
    Many students in middle and high school can decode the words in a text, but are unable to identify the central ideas or to explain the meaning of what they have just read. Students can...
    Engaging Text Discussion
    One important way to improve students' reading comprehension is to engage them in high-quality text discussions in pairs or groups. Discussions in English and content area classes that...
    Intensive Intervention
    Students who are unable to meet grade-level standards in literacy often require supplemental, intensive, and individualized reading intervention to improve their skills. Such interventions...

Math and Science

  • TOPIC
    Encouraging Girls in Math and Science
    This topic includes these research-based practices.
    Ability Is Expandable
    There is accumulating evidence showing a connection between how students perceive their ability and their academic success. If students believe they cannot change their abilities, they are...
    Prescriptive Feedback
    Teacher feedback has long-lasting implications for students' academic self-esteem, learning goals, and progress in developing knowledge and skills. Interestingly, not all positive feedback...
    Female Role Models
    When girls believe in gender stereotypes like â'"girls arenâ't good at mathâ'" or â'"science is for boys,â'" they are likely to have low self-confidence or...
    Sparking Curiosity
    The fact that girls lose interest in advanced math and science before they even reach their teens has long-term ramifications in education and industry. Providing students with engaging...
    Teaching Spatial Skills
    Spatial skills help us visualize three-dimensional objects — skills that are especially important in math, science, and numerous professions. Spatial skills help us imagine, draw,...
  • TOPIC
    National Math Panel: Critical Foundations for Algebra
    This topic includes these research-based practices.
    Mathematics Preparation for Algebra
    Students who develop a strong understanding of key mathematics concepts and procedural fluency, and can use these competencies to solve problems, are better prepared for entry into...
    Comprehensive Instruction
    To prepare students for algebra, the mathematics curriculum must simultaneously develop conceptual understanding, computational fluency, and problem-solving skills. The development of...
    Mastery Framework
    The benchmarks for the critical foundations proposed by the National Mathematics Advisory Panel should be used to guide the development of state frameworks, state assessments, and district...
  • TOPIC
    National Math Panel: Major Topics of School Algebra
    This topic includes these research-based practices.
    Topics of Algebra
    Success in algebra is defined by proficiency with the major topics of school algebra and understanding of the connections across the topics.

    Algebra coursework should cover the...
    Multiple Paths
    Schools should expect that all students can learn algebra; students who are preparing for college or technical careers should master the topics of school algebra typically addressed in...
  • TOPIC
    Developing Effective Fractions Instruction for K-8
    This topic includes these research-based practices.
    Initial Fraction Concepts
    Children have an intuitive understanding of basic fraction concepts, such as dividing a whole object into equal pieces or sharing a set of objects among a group of people, by as early as...
    Fractions as Numbers
    Understanding that fractions are numbers with magnitudes that can be ordered or considered equivalent is fundamental to grasping operations with fractions. Teachers can develop...
    Operations With Fractions
    In order for students to become proficient with computational procedures when working with fractions, they need a strong understanding of why those procedures make sense. Teachers should...
    Ratio, Rate, Proportion
    Proportional thinking—understanding multiplicative relationships between quantities—is essential for more advanced work in mathematics. Teachers should develop students’...
  • TOPIC
    Response to Intervention in Elementary-Middle Math
    This topic includes these research-based practices.
    Screening and Monitoring
    The first step in RtI is universal student screening so schools can systematically identify those at risk for math difficulties. Accurate identification of at-risk students requires...
    Foundations of Arithmetic
    In grades K through 5, math interventions should focus intensely on in-depth treatment of whole numbers and operations, while grades 4 through 8 should address rational numbers as well as...
    Intentional Teaching
    Intervention instruction should be explicit and systematic, incorporating models of proficient problem solving, verbalization of thought processes, guided practice, corrective feedback,...
    RtI Implementation
    Implementation encompasses the groundwork and support needed to put the recommended practices into action. RtI begins with a systemwide framework that includes universal screening and...
  • TOPIC
    Improving Mathematical Problem Solving in Grades 4 Through 8
    This topic includes these research-based practices.
    Prepare Problems
    Many math classrooms feature problem solving only occasionally, but the IES Panel recommends it be an integral part of all math curricular units, with time allocated for problem solving...
    Problem-Solving Instruction
    To help students develop proficiency in mathematical problem solving, teachers need to guide them in translating quantitative information into symbolic equations—the...
    Reflect and Debrief
    Students’ math learning and problem solving improves when they monitor and reflect on their thinking as they work, examining what they’re doing and why, evaluating the steps...

Comprehensive Support

  • TOPIC
    Dropout Prevention
    This topic includes these research-based practices.
    Data Systems
    A critical first step for preventing dropouts is for the school leaders to examine such data as graduation rate, attendance, overage and undercredited students, and students with...
    Adult Advocates
    Research has shown that sustained personal relationships between trained adults and at-risk students can help address students' personal and academic needs. Advocates can address the...
    Academic Supports
    Academic supports help improve academic performance and reengage students in school. Schools can offer academic support by providing extra study time, targeted interventions to address...
    Social/Behavior Programs
    Students who are frequently absent, disengaged, act out, and/or who are withdrawn may benefit from social-emotional supports to help them learn how to interact and communicate positively...
    Learning Environment
    Personalizing the learning environment helps create a school climate where students and teachers get to know each other, so students can feel a sense of belonging and community in their...
    Rigorous/Relevant Instruction
    Students must be prepared for postsecondary education and careers beyond high school. Schools can implement strategies aimed at improving the rigor of classroom instruction as well as its...
  • TOPIC
    Reducing Behavior Problems in Elementary School Classrooms
    This topic includes these research-based practices.
    Describe Behavior
    Understanding the factors that prompt and reinforce a problem behavior is critical to designing appropriate interventions. Interventions should respond to the specific needs of the...
    Modify Environment
    Teachers can reduce the occurrence of problem behaviors by taking measures to modify the learning environment. They can rearrange the physical classroom environment, alter the schedule,...
    Teach Skills
    Research shows that teaching students social skills and appropriate behavior can reduce problem behavior in the classroom and on school grounds. It is recommended that teachers actively...
    Collaborative Relationships
    Parents, school personnel, and behavioral experts can provide insights and support for teachers for managing disruptive behavior in the classroom. Teachers should draw on these...
    Schoolwide Approach
    Adopting a systemwide approach to addressing behavior issues in schools can help prevent problem behaviors as well as increase positive social interactions. Approaching the problem from a...
  • TOPIC
    Increased Learning Time: Beyond the Regular School Day
    This topic includes these research-based practices.
    Align Instruction
    Schools and out-of-school programs, including before- and after-school programs, weekend, and summer programs, share the goal of helping students succeed, making a partnership between them...
    Maximize Attendance
    To promote regular attendance, expanded learning time schools and out-of-school programs should identify and address factors that prevent students from attending regularly. Research has...
    Organize Instruction
    Effective instruction includes activities tailored to students' ability level and learning style. Additionally, engaging students in the learning process and sparking their interest can...
    Structure Time
    Research suggests that tailoring instruction to individual and small group needs and engaging students in the learning process can maximize positive impact on students' academic outcomes....
    Evaluate Program
    School districts, expanded learning time schools, and out-of-school program providers can assess the impact of the added learning time through various evaluation approaches. It is...
  • TOPIC
    Helping Students Navigate the Path to College
    This topic includes these research-based practices.
    Prepare Students Academically
    Students' ability to access postsecondary education depends in part on their high school course selections, yet there are students who are less likely to complete the rigorous coursework...
    Assess and Intervene
    Many students graduate from high school unprepared for two- and four-year colleges or specialized training programs, as evidenced by the large number of students who are required to take...
    Foster College Aspirations
    By ninth grade, many students already express an interest in postsecondary education but are not familiar with the steps to application and entry. Thus, interest may falter by twelfth...
    Assist With College Entry
    High schools should provide direct assistance for students and parents at each step of the postsecondary education application and entry process. Beginning early in high school,...

Early Childhood

  • TOPIC
    Preschool Language and Literacy
    This topic includes these research-based practices.
    Teach Phonological Awareness
    Phonological awareness is the ability to detect and manipulate the sounds in words independent of word meaning. It improves school readiness skills and can be taught before children learn...
    Use Interactive and Dialogic Reading
    Preschool children, ages 3 to 5, develop early reading and language skills when teachers use interactive and dialogic reading strategies. In interactive reading, children talk with the...