Staff
Publication details for Professor Nancy Cartwright
Cartwright, N., Cowen, N., Virk, B. & Mascarenhas-Keyes, S. (2015). Making the Most of the Evidence: Evidence-based policy in the classroom. CHESS Working Paper 2015-03.- Publication type: Working Paper
- ISSN/ISBN: 2053-2660
- Durham Research Online (DRO) - may include full text
Author(s) from Durham
Abstract
What allows research evidence to contribute to successful social policy and improve practice
in public services? The establishment of the What Works Network, a group of evidence ‘clearing
houses’, that summarise academic research evidence for practitioners in different policy areas, heralds a
resurgence of evidence-based approaches in British policymaking. This report outlines the existing
literature analysing the process of implementing evidence-informed policy, with a particular focus on
the field of primary and secondary education. New data, based on interviews with teachers in primary
and secondary schools, along with the analysis of existing literature, suggest that understanding the
rationale for a particular policy approach and recognising relevant contextual factors are crucial for
selecting and implementing successful policies. This suggests that local knowledge, as well as
professional judgement and expertise, are critical contributors to policymaking alongside formal
scientific research evidence.
Notes
CHESS Working Paper No. 2015-03.