Education Research Reviews: Resource Roundup
Learn about the evidence base behind some of the strategies and practices featured on Edutopia, and use this information to advocate for changes in your school or district.

Research Behind Our Core Strategies
- Research Summaries and Projects (Updated 2013)
Access all of our recent research reports, including the package on our award-winning research study, "Knowledge in Action Research Helping to Make the Case for Rigorous Project-Based Learning" and our core strategy research reviews for Integrated Studies, Project-Based Learning, Social and Emotional Learning, Teacher Development, Technology Integration, and Comprehensive Assessment.
- New Research Helps Make Case for Rigorous PBL, by Suzie Boss (2012)
In her fifth post from PBL World, Edutopia blogger Suzie Boss reports on a presentation by GLEF Executive Director Cindy Johanson about research supporting Project-Based Learning as a viable alternative to test-based AP learning.
Research on Practices from Schools that Work
Edutopia's Schools That Work series profiles K-12 schools, districts, and programs that are dramatically improving the way students learn. We get close to the teachers, students, principals, and other administrators who have changed the future of their schools, and show you how they did it. Read about the research behind the practices at several recently profiled schools:
- Research: How SEL Classroom Management Techniques Build Academic Achievement, by Vanessa Vega, Youki Terada (2013)
Respect, responsibility, and a community-based learning atmosphere promote success at Mount Desert Elementary School, a K-8 public school in Northeast Harbor, Maine.
- Expanded Learning Time Succeeds with Research-Supported Practices, by Vanessa Vega, Youki Terada (2013)
Using expanded learning time for extra-curricular enrichment, personalized instruction, and professional development promotes academic achievement and a positive school culture at Edwards Middle School in Boston.
- Research Supports Global Curriculum, by Vanessa Vega, Youki Terada (2013)
Language immersion, global competence, and vibrant professional learning communities enhance student learning at Seattle's John Stanford International School.
- Research Supports Collaborative Learning, by Vanessa Vega, Youki Terada (2012)
Collaborative math and discussion-based English help to promote deeper learning, critical thinking, and community at The College Preparatory School in Oakland, California.
- Research-Based Practices for Engaging Students in STEM Learning, by Vanessa Vega (2012)
Innovative and effective practices at Cleveland's MC2 STEM High School are driving learning and higher achievement for students in a district where every student qualifies for free- or reduced-price meals.
- A Research-Based Approach to Arts Integration, by Vanessa Vega (2012)
At Bates Middle School in Annapolis, Maryland, arts integration has helped raise student achievement, in conjunction with other key best practices.
- Research-Supported PBL Practices, by Vanessa Vega (2012)
At one New Tech Network high school, strategies backed by research make project-based learning effective and engaging for teachers and students.
- Promising Research on Meditation in Schools, by Vanessa Vega (2012)
Researchers have found multiple positive outcomes for students who meditate.
Other Resources from Edutopia
- Making Sense Out of Educational Research, by Dr. Richard Curwin (2012)
Edutopia blogger Curwin asks us to consider when is educational research relevant and, more importantly, how can we use it in ways that will make it more relevant.
- Trends in Research-Based Practice: Report from the AERA Conference, by Vanessa Vega (2012)
Vega reports on trends in research-based practice as examined at the recent AERA Conference.
Additional Resources on the Web
- Research on PBL, from the Buck Institute for Education
- Social and Emotional Learning Research, from the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning
- Research Round-Up: Mindfulness in Schools, from The Greater Good Science Center at the University of California, Berkeley
- Find What Works, from the What Works Clearinghouse, an initiative of the Institute for Education Sciences (IES) at the U.S. Department of Education
- Best Evidence Encyclopedia, from the Johns Hopkins University School of Education