Heldrich Center principal faculty fellow and Bloustein School associate professor Laura R. Peck, Ph.D., has co-authored a new national guide designed to help education leaders make informed decisions about programs, policies, and emerging technologies. The guide, Evaluating Causal Evidence in Education: A Practical Guide, was developed by the Future of Evidence in Education Network, a cross-sector collaboration of researchers, evaluators, and education leaders.

The guide outlines 10 principles for assessing research evidence, helping school districts and policymakers determine whether educational programs and interventions are effective, relevant, and appropriate for their students. It accompanies a second report, Necessary but Not Sufficient: Six Design Principles for a Stronger Education R&D System, which examines how investments, research practices, and partnerships can strengthen the nation’s education research infrastructure.

“Federal support of evidence regarding public policies and programs is critical to improving the educational outcomes of students nationwide,” Dr. Peck said. Together, the reports underscore the importance of rigorous research in improving educational outcomes and guiding public investments.

Dr. Peck was recently featured in The Daily Targum for her work on the guide. In the article, Peck discusses the importance of rigorous research in identifying effective educational programs, the implications of federal research funding cuts, and the value of collaboration among researchers.