Research School Network: Kent Evidence Champions Training Training for Evidence Champions in Kent Schools: Cohort 3

DATES:

Online – Session 1: Thursday, 8 June 2023 (3.30 – 5.30pm): What is an Evidence Champion? Why do schools need an Evidence Champion? 

Online – Session 2: Tuesday, 20 June 2023 (3.30 – 5.30pm): What sources of evidence are available and how can we evaluate their usefulness? 

Online – Session 3: · Monday, 10 July 2023 (3.30 – 5.30pm): How can schools effectively mobilise the research evidence and evaluate its impact?

DESCRIPTION:


Please note to take part in this programme you need to work in a Kent school and have the full support of your headteacher.


Why do schools need an Evidence Champion?


One of the greatest challenges of school leadership is ensuring that we are focusing our time, energy and efforts into the school improvement priorities that will give our children the best possible chance of success. Using the research evidence ensures that the priorities we identify and the approaches we use are framed around​‘best bets’ – what the research evidence says is most likely to work. This matters because the education of the young people who come to our schools is too important to be left to chance. Using the research evidence to shape what we do gives us the best possible chance of being successful.


What will an Evidence Champion do?


An Evidence Champion will have access to and a good working knowledge of the best available research evidence. They would be supported with this through the EEF, Kent Associate Research school, Durrington Research school and a network of Evidence Champions from across the region. This will enable them to advise and guide the leaders in their school, so that decisions around improvement work are shaped by the best available research evidence.


What will the training look like?


The Evidence Champions training will comprise three online training modules:

Session 1: What is an Evidence Champion? Why do schools need an evidence champion?


Session 2: What sources of evidence are available and how can we evaluate their usefulness?


Session 3: How can schools effectively mobilise the research evidence and evaluate its impact?