An Analysis of the Fidelity Implementation Policies of the What Works Clearinghouse
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Date
2010
Authors
Stockard, Jean
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College
Abstract
A large body of literature documents the central importance of fidelity of program
implementation in creating an internally valid research design and considering such fidelity in judgments of research quality. The What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) provides web-based summary ratings of educational innovations and is the only rating group that is officially sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education. Yet, correspondence with the organization indicates that it disregards information regarding implementation fidelity in its summary ratings, relying on “replicated findings” and suggesting that any fidelity issues that “may have arisen are averaged.” This paper demonstrates the fallacy in this logic. Simulations show that the policy minimizes the positive impact of highly effective programs and the negative impact of highly ineffective programs. Implications are discussed.
Description
24 pages
Keywords
Implementation Fidelity, What Works Clearinghouse, Evidence Screening, Systematic Reviews, Program Evaluation
Citation
Stockard, J. (2010). An Analysis of the Fidelity Implementation Policies of the What Works Clearinghouse. Current Issues in Education, 13(4). Retrieved from http://cie.asu.edu/