Evidence-Based Practices

According to Cook, Smith, and Tankersley (2008), evidence-based practices (EBPs) are, in short, the best practices for improving student outcomes. Through intensive research and high-quality training, EBPs are strongly supported by evidence as practices that directly and meaningfully improve your child's education.

EBPs for special education are instructional strategies backed by research and professional expertise to support the learning and behavior of students with disabilities. For special education, there are an abundance of EBPs available, such as:

Building Decision Skills

Building Decision Skills is meant to help students in Grades 6-12 develop core values and ethics. The program consists of 10 lessons including readings, handouts, and overheads. According to the U.S. Department of Education, this program has demonstrated potentially positive effects on knowledge, attitudes, and values for students in grade 12. Click here for the research summary.

Core-Plus Mathematics

Core-Plus Mathematics presents traditional secondary mathematics in a new sequence. The first three courses offer useful mathematics, while the fourth prepares students for college math and statistics courses using active learning, teacher-centered techniques, and technology. The U.S. Department of Education has concluded that this program has demonstrated potentially positive effects on mathematics achievement for students in grades 9 and 10. Click here for the research summary.

Dialogic Reading: Early Childhood Education

Early Childhood Education Dialogic Reading is an interactive shared picture book reading practice designed to enhance young children's language and literacy skills. During the shared reading practice, the adult and the child switch roles so that the child learns to become the storyteller with the assistance of the adult, who functions as an active listener and questioner. The U.S. Department of Education found that this program has positive effects on oral language but no discernible effects on phonological processing. Click here for the research summary.

References

Building decision skills character education. WWC | Building Decision Skills. (n.d.). Retrieved February 22, 2023, from https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/EvidenceSnapshot/61

Cook, B. G., Tankersley, M., Cook, L., & Landrum, T. J. (2008). Evidence-based practices in special education: Some practical considerations. Intervention in School and Clinic, 44(2), 69–75. https://doi.org/10.1177/1053451208321452

Core-plus mathematics high school mathematics. WWC | Core-Plus Mathematics. (n.d.). Retrieved February 22, 2023, from https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/EvidenceSnapshot/118

Dialogic reading early childhood education. WWC | Dialogic Reading. (n.d.). Retrieved February 22, 2023, from https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc//InterventionReport/135

Evidence-based practice summaries. IRIS Center. (n.d.). Retrieved February 22, 2023, from https://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/resources/ebp_summaries/