Evidence-Based Education

In a recent opinion piece in the New York Times Billy Beane (General Manager of the Oakland A's), Newt Gingrich (former US Representative), and John Kerry (US Senator) argued for a health care system that is based on evidence. A system that does not strip doctors of their authority to make decisions or replace their expertise, but rather uses data to complement the doctor's experience with a data-driven approach that identifies quality care and lowers costs.

The education system need not act like "a hidebound, tradition-based ball club...pay too much and get too little in return" as Beane and others stated. Instead, education needs a data-driven system like Beane has adopted for the A's. A system that encourages teacher creativity, but ensures that practices are supported by evidence.

This blog will explore a variety of topics including, evidence-based education, performance management, and selected other topics related to research and development in education.