Using Research to Inform Decisions

Learn how to find, evaluate, and apply research relevant to decisions in your district.

Overview

Federal guidelines now ask school and district staff to use research evidence when making decisions about policies and programs. Despite these realities, finding and using solid research can be a difficult task.

Using Research to Inform Decisions will guide you in how to find and evaluate pertinent research, with a constant eye toward how such research can be used to inform various school- and district-level decisions. The workshop provides an overview of how practitioners use research and offers several simple tools to help you find the study you need. You will also learn strategies and structures that help foster an environment where research truly informs decision-making.

This two-week online workshop is led by HGSE Professor Heather Hill, University of Colorado Professor Bill Penuel, and other leaders in the field. Video lectures, readings, facilitated online discussions, and exploration exercises will help you engage with research and gain confidence in using evidence to make sound decisions.

Program Details

This two-week online workshop includes a mix of self-paced learning, group discussion, and job-embedded application. Activities include:

• Video lectures from Heather Hill, University of Colorado professors Bill Penuel and Derek Briggs, Northwestern University professor Cynthia Coburn, and the National Center for Research in Policy and Practice project director Caitlin Farrell
• Readings of various research articles and white papers
• Facilitated online discussions
• Exploration exercises
• Job-embedded practice where you will apply the concepts and techniques learned

A core part of the HGSE experience is cohort learning, and this curriculum is designed to create a community of practice for participants to learn with and from each other.

This online workshop is an asynchronous learning experience with no live components and is designed to be self-paced. All materials are provided at the start of the program and can be completed at times that best fit a participant’s schedule within the two-week program period. Participants should plan to devote a total of 5-7 hours of work. Participants who complete all individual assessments and contribute to group discussions will receive a certificate indicating completion of five clock hours of instruction.

Objectives

• Explore the nature of research use and current national patterns in research use
• Learn how to find relevant research and read it accurately
• Evaluate research design, and be able to judge the credibility of the research
• Implement strategies for increasing the use of evidence within your own educational setting

Who Should Participate

• Leaders of districts or schools
• Decision-makers in the district including Directors of Research, Curriculum and Instruction, and Special Education
• State education officials

English Language Proficiency Requirements

English language proficiency is a requirement for application to and successful participation in this online course. All participants are expected to have fluency in English, including a basic knowledge of education terminology, in order to effectively engage with the content, complete assignments, and interact with other members of the learning community.

Fees & Policies

Full tuition is due by the indicated payment deadline, which you may find above or on the program’s community page. While a purchase order confirms enrollment, full payment is still required by the payment deadline. Please note that failure to pay by the payment deadline will result in your withdrawal from the program. Click here for more information on payment, refund, and withdrawal policies.

Tuition includes all instructional materials required for participation in the program. The Harvard Graduate School of Education reserves the right to change faculty or cancel programs at its discretion. The school is not responsible for any planning expenses incurred.