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ESSA four-tier evidence hierarchy for intervention selection

Research Method · All research methods
Evidence · 1 claim (1 mixed) · 2 studies (2 theoretical), q2 · 0 of 2 report an effect size

Description

The guide explains that "ESSA defines four levels of evidence" as elaborated in the U.S. Department of Education's September 2016 nonregulatory guidance. Strong evidence requires a statistically significant effect from at least one well-designed and well-implemented experimental study; moderate evidence rests on a quasi-experimental study; promising evidence rests on a correlational study with statistical controls for selection bias; and the lowest tier, "demonstrates a rationale," requires a rationale based on high-quality research findings or positive evaluation plus ongoing efforts to examine effects. This hierarchy is the evaluative standard used in the guide's evidence-review tools.

Accounts

  • ESSA four-tier evidence hierarchy for intervention selection: The guide explains that "ESSA defines four levels of evidence" as elaborated in the U.S. Department of Education's September 2016 nonregulatory guidance. Strong evidence requires a statistically significant effect from at least one well-designed and well-implemented experimental study; moderate evidence rests on a quasi-experimental study; promising evidence rests on a correlational study with statistical controls for selection bias; and the lowest tier, "demonstrates a rationale," requires a rationale based on high-quality research findings or positive evaluation plus ongoing efforts to examine effects. This hierarchy is the evaluative standard used in the guide's evidence-review tools. (Hale et al. (2017))

Claims

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Key Sources

  • Hale, S., Dunn, L., Filby, N., Rice, J., & Van Houten, L. (2017). Evidence-based improvement: A guide for states to strengthen their frameworks and supports aligned to the evidence requirements of ESSA. San Francisco: WestEd. http://www.wested.org/resources/evidence-based-improvement-essa-guide-for-states
Page metadata
Field Value
type research-method
id essa-four-tier-evidence-hierarchy-for-intervention-selection
title ESSA four-tier evidence hierarchy for intervention selection
description The guide explains that "ESSA defines four levels of evidence" as elaborated in the U.S.
status review
generated by process:settle-candidates on 2026-10-09
trust unverified — no one has confirmed this page's content

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