This guide is designed to help State Education Agencies (SEAs) conduct self-studies to identify interventions that may be implemented in schools needing improvement or that require comprehensive or targeted support. The interventions selected should be those that are most relevant and appropriate based on the needs of schools, with the strongest evidence base possible under ESSA — Every Student Succeeds Act. The guide provides information regarding the collection and evaluation of research and contains tools to guide the facilitator and team through the self-study process. An annotated bibliography is included along with a description of theory of action and an example of a logic model. The tools are fillable pdfs which allow teams to complete the process electronically if so desired. The complementary SEA Quick-Start Guide for Identifying Evidence-Based Interventions for School Improvement provides an abbreviated version of the full guide to give state agencies the opportunity to begin the self-study process right away.
The self-study process leads to invaluable results
Self-study is a process that facilitates thoughtful investigation and discussion of an issue or topic so that decisions can be made through the collaboration of a variety of stakeholders. Although a time investment is required to prepare for discussions that focus on the topic or issue, engage in the discussions themselves and subsequently plan for implementation of decisions made by the self-study team, the results of this collaboration can be invaluable.
Findings & Stats
ESSA mandates
State education agencies and local education agencies are charged with implementing Every Student Succeeds Act, with states being asked to ensure that local agencies are implementing evidence-based strategies, activities and interventions.
Full Toolbox
The full guide consists of the following tools: SEA Self-Study Guide Checklist, SEA Facilitator’s Checklist, SEA Team Member’s Checklist, SEA Scoring Template, SEA Scoring Guide, SEA School Voting and Consensus Rating Form, SEA Planning Form, Theory of Action and Sample Logic Model.
Demonstrated Change
The research studies used in the self-study assessment must demonstrate a statistically significant effect on improving student outcomes or other relevant outcomes.
Support Assessment
Local education agencies must conduct a needs assessment for schools identified in need of comprehensive support.
Local Needs
Potential interventions should be evaluated on the basis of school needs with the evidence-based interventions selected meeting the needs of the school.
Statements & Quotations
Along with the flexibility of ESSA comes the responsibility for LEAs, and ultimately SEAs, to ensure that evidence-based interventions are selected and implemented so that students attending schools in need of comprehensive or targeted support have the best opportunity to improve achievement.
SEAs could indicate in their state plan how they have used or will use this self-study to identify interventions, in partnership with stakeholders.
Undoubtedly, schools in need of improvement throughout the state will exhibit a variety of issues and problems. It is important that the recommended interventions not only have a strong evidence base, but that they address the issues that schools are facing.
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