Argues that we do not yet have a menu of program options for helping students at risk of dropping out and suggests a way to identify approaches that program developers can use while efforts to develop a stronger scientific basis for new programs continue.

Summarizes the largest federal study ever conducted of dropout prevention programs, finding three promising models: alternative middle and high schools for those at risk of dropping out, programs aimed at helping older students earn a GED, and whole-school restructuring efforts aimed at dropout...

Explores whether propensity score methods produce unbiased estimates of program impacts, by comparing experimental and propensity score impacts of dropout prevention programs. Finds no consistent evidence that they do--even when the data available for matching are extensive. Suggests that...

This pamphlet, prepared for the 27;28, describes the purpose of education program evaluation, defines random assignment and discusses its advantages over other approaches, and looks at other issues related to use of random assignment in scientifically based education research.

This article examines how educators can more effectively engage with researchers to advance practice, using the What Works Clearinghouse and other sources of research findings as a base.

This final report from Mathematica’s congressionally mandated study of educational technology presents effects for the 2005-2006 school year for 10 computer-based reading and math products. Teacher experience using the software was not systematically related to changes in effects between...