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School children reading

Resources: Evidence-Based Practices

The CLSD online library provides evidence-based resources to help develop, implement, and evaluate literacy programs and strategies.

Resources can be browsed by literacy topic, age/grade range, level of evidence, or special population using the drop-down menus. Search options can be combined to further filter results. Resources can also be searched by keyword. In order to better understand the criteria used to determine a resource’s level of evidence, please see the definitions in the table below. Also, note below the levels of evidence prioritized by CLSD.

Tools or Recommendations for Practice

Some entries in the library are practitioner-oriented tools or resources that could be helpful in applying research-based practices. The tools themselves have not been empirically tested for effectiveness and therefore are not categorized by a level of evidence, however, the research on which they are based are cited in the entries. Click here to see “Tools or Recommendations for Practice.”


Search Resources

Filter according to common topics within literacy.
Filter according to student ages.
Filter according to available evidence base.
Filter according to inclusion of particular populations.

Evidence-Based Practices

Grantees and subgrantees receive awards to advance literacy skills through the use of evidence-based practices where evidence is applicable and available. Evidence-based, when used with respect to a State, local educational agency, or school activity, means an activity, strategy, or intervention that –

Level of Evidence Definition
Strong Evidence
*Prioritized
Demonstrates a statistically significant effect on improving student outcomes or other relevant outcomes and is supported by one or more well-designed and well-implemented experimental studies.
Moderate Evidence
*Prioritized
Demonstrates a statistically significant effect on improving student outcomes or other relevant outcomes and is supported by one or more well-designed and well-implemented quasi-experimental studies.
Promising Evidence
Demonstrates a statistically significant effect on improving student outcomes or other relevant outcomes and is supported by one or more well-designed and well-implemented correlational studies with statistical controls for selection bias.
Demonstrates a Rationale
Demonstrates a rationale based on high-quality research findings or positive evaluation that such activity, strategy, or intervention (a) is likely to improve student outcomes or other relevant outcomes and (b) includes ongoing efforts to examine the effects of such activity, strategy, or intervention.
For more information, see the U.S. Department of Education’s Using Evidence to Strengthen Education Investments.

Search Results

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