Co-developing practice guides: A researcher-practitioner model for evidence-based practice.

Area of Science:

• Educational Research
• Evidence-Based Practice
• Intervention Science

Background:

• Bridging the gap between scientific evidence and educational practice remains a significant challenge.
• Educators require accessible, actionable recommendations to implement research findings effectively.
• The What Works Clearinghouse™ (WWC) has a history of developing resources to support evidence-based decision-making in education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the development process of a WWC practice guide focused on teacher-delivered behavioral interventions in grades K-5.
• To emphasize the integral role of practitioners in the participatory evidence review process.
• To outline the structure and key features of WWC practice guides.

Main Methods:

• The study employed a Method Note approach to document the development of a practice guide.
• It involved a participatory evidence review methodology, integrating researchers and practitioners.
• The process spanned from the initial framing of the guide to its final dissemination.

Main Results:

• Practice guides are characterized as participatory evidence reviews, fostering collaboration between researchers and practitioners.
• The development of the K-5 behavioral interventions practice guide underscored the value of practitioner input at all stages.
• The structure and features of practice guides were detailed, emphasizing their role in translating evidence into actionable recommendations.

Conclusions:

• Participatory evidence reviews, as exemplified by WWC practice guides, are effective in bridging the evidence-practice gap.
• Continued refinement of participatory methods is essential for enhancing the translation of research into educational practice.
• Future directions include exploring further limitations and advancements in collaborative evidence synthesis for educators.