[AAACE-NLA] evidence based research

[AndresMuro@aol.com]

I need clarification from the experts

Yesterday I attended a workshop on evidence based practice at the Texas Association of Literacy and Adult Education Conference (TALAE). The workshop was given by a NCSALL researcher who shared results of NCSALL's research on student persistence.

The presenter explained that according to the Department of Ed's office of scientific research (don't remember the precise name), educational programs must engage in evidence based practice. According the the Dept of Ed, evidence based practice is: (I' am paraphrasing) "the combination of Scientific research and teacher's wisdom".  I think that it may be needless to say that I have no idea of how to interpret this. 

Based on the presentation by the NCSALL researcher I learned that students persist in programs because of good program quality among other factors. When I inquired about what this meant, the presenter said that she was reporting the data on persistence but she didn't know what defined program quality. 
So, in my wisdom (of an experienced teacher ;-)) I deduced that scientific research tells me that students want quality, something that I may have not been able to figure out on my own. I can combine this with my wisdom.  In my wisdom, I could decide that quality program is to teach people phonics extensively. So, would this mean that I am applying evidence based research to my practice? 

I also could deduce that quality means getting rid of WIA and NRS in my program. Again would this satisfy DOE?

Andres

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