Over the last 25 years, researchers, practitioners, and policymakers have consistently recognized the need for a comprehensive approach to school safety. However, identifying the key components of a comprehensive approach and the ideal way to balance and implement those components has proved challenging. To address this challenge, the National…

This dissertation comprises three complementary studies that aim to advance the understanding and practice of Individualized Education Programs (IEP) and Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance (PLAAFP) development in special education. In the first study, we systematically reviewed empirical research measuring IEP…

Parent tutoring may provide opportunities for home-school collaboration and improved academic outcomes. Previous reviews of the literature have classified parent tutoring as a promising practice, but have also noted methodological limitations. We conducted an updated review of parent tutoring studies published between 2006 and 2020. The objectives…

This study explores the effectiveness and design value of 'Resilience Education Supports Students in Life' (RESSIL), an adventure-based digital game for developing resilience capacities in undergraduate students at one UK University. RESSIL was designed in response to the increasing wellbeing needs of undergraduate students and in recognition of…

"Social Belonging" interventions for college students aim to reduce the impacts of negative stereotypes that may burden students in underrepresented groups and affect their persistence in college. There are different variations of "Social Belonging" interventions but they all have in common a goal of influencing students' sense…

This study examines the effectiveness of Evidence-Based Literacy Instruction (EBLI) Teacher and Student Lessons in whole-classroom settings for grades K-5. Conducted in a Michigan school district during the 2023-2024 school year, this mixed-methods research evaluated implementation and outcomes across 815 students from 35 classrooms. MAP Growth…

TICAS, in partnership with MDRC and LEO, has worked for more than a year and a half with a community of seven evidence-based college completion programs. These programs, which span the country geographically, all employ a similar model that uses counselors, coaches, or case managers to connect students with a range of support -- personal,…

The purpose of this applied research study, using program evaluation, was to improve professional development for teachers to build their capacity in student engagement. This applied research study used three elements: professional development, professional learning communities, and observation-feedback, to improve teacher quality and to increase…

Students need strong literacy skills to succeed in core academic subjects--English, mathematics, science, and social studies--and to be prepared for college and careers. "Reading Apprenticeship"® is a professional development program that aims to help teachers improve their students' literacy skills. The program also aims to improve…

Classroom management strategies are techniques that are meant to be effective in preventing problem behavior for the majority of the students in classroom settings. One such strategy, opportunities to respond, is considered an evidence-based strategy to increase engagement, improve academic achievement, and decrease disruptive behavior in the…

The Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) has spent over 2 decades researching the importance of social-emotional learning (SEL). The CASEL's (2020b) research revealed that the implementation of evidence-based SEL programs led to an 11% gain in student achievement, fewer behavior issues, reduced dropout rates, and…

This study was designed to investigate the applicability of the IES/NSF pipeline-of-evidence protocol in ascertaining why two notable educational initiatives spearheaded and financially supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation achieved or not the goal of improved academic outcomes for K-12 public school students. Our interest was not…

Students need strong literacy skills to succeed in core academic subjects--English, mathematics, science, and social studies--and to be prepared for college and careers. "Reading Apprenticeship"® is a professional development program that aims to help teachers improve their students' literacy skills. The program also aims to improve…

This protocol guides the What Works Clearinghouse's (WWC) systematic reviews of evidence on interventions to improve the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) knowledge and skills of students in preschool (PK) to grade 12 (or ages 3-21). To conduct the systematic review, use this protocol in conjunction with version 4.1 of the…

This study examined the impact of a state policy requiring that any school with a habitual truancy rate of 8% of higher to be trained in Tier 1 school-wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (SW-PBIS). A regression discontinuity (RD) design was used to examine how the schools' mandate status related to SW-PBIS training as well as…