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Chart Comparing the What Works Clearinghouse, Florida Center for Reading Research, and University of Oregon

To determine if a published review has merit, it is critical to understand the reviewer's criteria and methods. The following chart compares three consumer guides that review reading products and illustrates key differences in What Works Clearinghouse's system of evaluating products. Consider this information before making decisions based on a What Works Clearinghouse review.

 
Criteria
What Works Clearinghouse
Florida Center for Reading Research
University of Oregon
Website Focus & Qualifications of Researchers Website specializes in reading research & reading instruction
No
Yes
Yes
Key staff and principal investigators have doctorates and/or master's degrees in reading
2 of 14
13 of 13
12 of 14
Evaluation of Specific Reading Programs Evaluates individual reading programs based on criteria of the National Reading Panel*
No
Yes
Yes
Evaluates program's alignment to scientifically-based reading research and best practices
No
Yes
Yes
Evaluates program's instructional design, including scope and sequence, lesson procedures, and placement procedures
No
Yes
Yes
Evaluates the quality of the professional development necessary for effective implementation
No
Yes
Yes
Review of Studies Using Specific Reading Programs When reviewing studies that use a specific reading program, the purpose of the study is considered
No
Yes
NA**
Evaluates the statistical model of a study
Yes
Yes
NA**
Evaluates whether the assessment measures used in a study align with the instructional goals of the reading strategy being reviewed
No
Yes
NA**
*Phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension
**The University of Oregon focuses on alignment with scientifically based reading research (SBRR)