ERIC Number: EJ1108498
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2016-Sep
Pages: 27
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1098-2140
EISSN: N/A
Challenges to Using the Regression Discontinuity Design in Educational Evaluations: Lessons from the "Transition to Algebra" Study
Louie, Josephine; Rhoads, Christopher; Mark, June
American Journal of Evaluation, v37 n3 p381-407 Sep 2016
Interest in the regression discontinuity (RD) design as an alternative to randomized control trials (RCTs) has grown in recent years. There is little practical guidance, however, on conditions that would lead to a successful RD evaluation or the utility of studies with underpowered RD designs. This article describes the use of RD design to evaluate the impact of a supplemental algebra-readiness curriculum, "Transition to Algebra", on students' mathematics outcomes. Lessons learned highlight the need for evaluators to understand important data requirements for strong RD evaluation studies, the need to collaborate with informed and committed partners to ensure successful RD design implementation, the value of embedding an RCT within an RD design whenever possible, and the need for caution when contemplating an RD design with a small sample. Underpowered RD studies--unlike underpowered RCTs--may not produce useful evaluation results, particularly if other RD data requirements are not met.
Descriptors: Regression (Statistics), Program Evaluation, Algebra, Supplementary Education, Mathematics Curriculum, Data, Sample Size, Evaluation Methods, Research Design, Data Analysis
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: National Science Foundation (NSF)
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: DRL0917958