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Theory of Change spectrum from passive dissemination to active supported research engagement

Design · All designs
Evidence · 1 claim (1 for) · 1 study (1 causal), q4 · 1 of 1 report an effect size · 1 claim rests on one study

Description

Appendix D sets out a Theory of Change positioning dissemination approaches on a spectrum from limited support (passive dissemination to a large number of schools, cheapest, least effect) through light support with an individual/classroom focus, to more active school-wide support with a smaller number of schools (more expensive, greatest effect). The trial tested the passive end: "The Theory of Change for the Literacy Octopus Dissemination Trial posits the question whether inexpensive ‘push’ dissemination approaches will have an effect." The null result answers that this end of the spectrum alone does not improve attainment.

Design Implications

Context

Requirements

  • Testing the spectrum's active end requires the companion Evidence-based Literacy Support trial, which added proactive provider support

Constraints

  • The spectrum's ordering of effect by support level is a hypothesis; this trial only tested the passive end and found no effect

Target Learners

  • Primary schools and their headteachers in England

Learning Goals

  • School-wide use of research evidence to improve literacy outcomes

Claims

Examples

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Key Sources

  • Lord, P., Rabiasz, A., and Styles, B. (2017). 'Literacy Octopus' Dissemination Trial: Evaluation report and executive summary. Education Endowment Foundation. https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN84508118
Page metadata
Field Value
type design
id research-engagement-support-spectrum-theory-of-change
title Theory of Change spectrum from passive dissemination to active supported research engagement
description Appendix D sets out a Theory of Change positioning dissemination approaches on a spectrum from limited support (passive dissemination to a large number of schools, cheapest, least effect) through light support with an...
status review
generated by process:settle-candidates on 2026-11-01
trust unverified — no one has confirmed this page's content
sources 1 — lord-2017

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