WWC Regression Discontinuity Design Training, Module 2: Regression Discontinuity Designs

Module 2 of the What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) Regression Discontinuity Design Standards Training covers the general features and characteristics of regression discontinuity designs. The module discusses general approaches used to estimate impacts in regression discontinuity designs as well as how to assess whether a study is eligible to be reviewed as a regression discontinuity design by the WWC. Finally, we describe the possible study ratings for these designs.
The WWC offers this training to inform the public about our design standards, increase transparency of our review process, and promote the use of rigorous research. The purpose of this training is to describe and explain key elements of the WWC Regression Discontinuity Design Standards and how the WWC uses those standards to identify high quality, rigorous research. This training series includes eleven modules, each focused on a different aspect of the WWC Regression Discontinuity Design Standards. We recommend viewing the modules in numerical order. Start with the Introduction module, which describes the goals, topics, and organization of this training. The full set of modules is accessible at: ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/RDDTraining.
The WWC is an investment of the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) within the U.S. Department of Education and was established in 2002. The work of the WWC is managed by a team of staff at IES and conducted under a set of contracts held by several leading firms with expertise in education, research methodology, and the dissemination of education research. For more than a decade, the WWC has been a central and trusted source of scientific evidence on education programs, products, practices, and policies. We review the research, determine which studies meet rigorous standards, and summarize the findings. We focus on high-quality research to answer the question, “What works in education?”