Evidence Use in Education Policy and Practice

Abstract

Improving the role of evidence in policy and practice is no small undertaking. It is unlikely to be accomplished without systemic changes in how we think about the relationship between research and practice and without far greater attention to the lessons that research on evidence use has to offer. This chapter critically examines the literature on evidence use to underscore the tensions and misalignments that exist in how we think about the relationship between research and practice, including why we use evidence, what constitutes evidence, how evidence is used, and who is engaged in the process. Through this examination, the authors aim to highlight opportunities to improve the relationship between research and practice through rethinking research evidence and its use, as well as the community of individuals who engage with it.

Keywords: evidence use, research practice partnerships, education policy