Evidence-based teaching in Teaching Schools

Juliet Brookes

NCTL, Teaching Schools – School-based R&D

1

Context

Evidence-based teaching is a DfE priority.

By knowing what works energy will be invested in things more likely to deliver the best results; and

Money will be invested in the right things.

Move towards the school-led system, Teaching Schools are key to this shift.

What is Evidence-Based Teaching (EBT)?

“Teaching practice or school-level approaches that are based upon the results of evidence about interventions or strategies that are effective in helping pupils to progress.”

Nelson and O’Beirne, 2014.

The ultimate test would be whether teachers could explain their choices and practice by referring to a robust evidence base and using logical argument and reasoning; rather than, for example, saying that they do it because they have been told to by Ofsted or DfE.

Teaching Schools

452 Teaching School Alliances

The Big 6: School-led ITT, CPD, Supporting other schools, Identifying and developing leadership potential, Specialist leaders of education, R&D

School-based R&D

TS R&D network large projects: Evidence-based TeachingClosing the Gap: Test and Learn

Expectations

The TS handbook states that each Teaching School Alliance is expected to:build on existing research and contribute to alliance and wider prioritiesbase new initiatives within their alliance on existing evidence and ensure they can measure themwork with other teaching schools in their area, or nationally, where appropriateensure that their staff use existing evidence allow their staff the time and support they need take part in research and development activitiesshare learning from research and development work with the wider school system

So what are we doing to support Teaching Schools?

Large scale projects

Building capacity and capability

Disseminating

Encouraging Teaching Schools to work more closely with their HEI partner(s).

Evidence-based Teaching project

This project sits within a wider EBT programme which emerged following a series of submissions to the SoS.

The aim is to encourage the teaching profession to improve its practice through rigorous use of evidence and research.

To develop expertise and explore different approaches to EBT within and across alliances

Facts and figures 2 opportunities to express interest

1st round – 93 TS alliances applied

Funding available for 10 alliances.

2nd round – open now and expect similar take-up for the next 10 grants.

2 year project

Commissioned Manchester Metropolitan University to facilitate and deliver training

Kick start was on 21st May

Closing the Gap: test and learn scheme - aims

Find out which interventions help to close the attainment gap for disadvantaged schools.

Introduce schools to randomised controlled trials.

Increase knowledge and understanding of quantitative research methods across the school system

Investigate the capacity of the school system to collaborate on large-scale research projects.

Facts and figures

7 randomised controlled trials running over two academic years (2013-14 & 2014-15), testing interventions chosen by schools.

11,000 pupils in over 600 schools.

180 Teaching schools collaborating with schools in their alliances to coordinate research activity.

Interventions and providers

Achievement for All 3As – Achievement for All CUREE – Response to Intervention (RTI) and Research Lesson

Study (RLS) Edgehill University – First Class at Number Leicester City Council Education Services – Inference Training Oxford University Press – Numicon Portsmouth University – Growth Mindsets

The schools themselves are responsible for choosing which intervention they wish to help test, booking their training in the delivery of the intervention and purchasing the pre and post-tests for the pupils.

Some challenges…

Access to the evidence base

Skills

Time

Some small steps…

RCT - early adopters

Special and early years contexts

Culture change

Dissemination

Appetite for R&D

Contact details

If you want to carry on the conversation or want to involve TSAs in your work please email juliet.brookes@education.gsi.gov.uk