Embed opportunistic RCTs into planned policies or programs¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · no claims cited

Description¶

The guide's central strategy is to recognize moments when a district is already planning a policy or program change and embed a randomized controlled trial into that rollout. It argues that "Opportunistic RCTs can generate strong evidence for informing education decisions—with minimal added cost and disruption," making rigorous evaluation feasible within routine district operations.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• A planned policy or program rollout that can serve as the occasion for random assignment

Constraints¶

Target Learners¶

• district and school leaders

Target Learning Goals¶

• generating strong evidence to inform education decisions

Related Strategies¶

• Follow key steps to conduct RCTs and address common questions and concerns

Examples¶

-

Key Sources¶

• Lauren Akers, Alexandra Resch, Jillian Berk. (2014). Making the Most of Opportunities to Learn What Works: A School District's Guide. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences, National Center for Education Evaluation and Regional Assistance. https://www.mathematica.org/publications/making-the-most-of-opportunities-to-learn-what-works-a-school-districts-guide