From Research to Results: Why Evidence-Based Professional Development Matters for Your District

How Inclusive Leadership Lab Translates Research Into Results for Educators

📚 Defining Evidence-Based Professional Learning

In the field of education, evidence-based means using strategies and programs that are grounded in rigorous research and real-world results. The Glossary of Education Reform defines it as any concept or strategy “derived from or informed by objective evidence,” such as:

• Peer-reviewed academic studies

• School, teacher, and student performance data

• Ongoing analysis of impact
  
  

Common applications include:

✅ Evidence-based instruction
✅ Evidence-based school improvement
✅ Evidence-based professional development

However, while data-driven decision-making is widely considered a best practice, using evidence effectively requires discernment.

 Pitfalls of “Data-Driven”

As much as I love data, yes, it can be misused. Despite best intentions, educators face challenges when implementing evidence-based approaches:

• “Cherry-picking” data can lead to reinforcing biases

• Research on hot-button issues (e.g., inclusion, reading science) often conflicts

• Some published studies present questionable methodologies or skewed sample sizes
  

Educational leaders need partners who understand how to evaluate research rigorously and apply it responsibly.

How Inclusive Leadership Lab Stands Apart

At Inclusive Leadership Lab, our team does more than just deliver professional development; we build research-informed, reflective systems for sustainable school success.

Our Approach Includes:

•  Ongoing monitoring of new research and emerging educational trends

•  A working bibliography of current resources used in our training development

•  Active evaluation of what’s working - or not - for the educators we serve
  

We believe the phrase, “That’s how we’ve always done it,” is harmful in education.

Instead, we help districts:

• Replicate what works

• Refine what’s ineffective

• Rethink outdated practices

Case Study

"Coaching with Inclusive Leadership Lab has been one of the most impactful professional learning experiences of my career. Each session had immediately actionable tools for me to use."
-  Special Education Coordinator

“We worked together each month. Everything was incredibly organized and easy to use. Dr. Harding was thorough, covering information from compliance reviews to comprehensive safety protocols for when we support students with behavioral challenges. This support helps us evaluate our policies, practices, and procedures and ensure we are following the law and protecting both staff and students safety.”

• Principal

“Dr. Harding helped me build my confidence! She reminded me that I don’t have to know everything myself, and the value of building a cohesive team. I highly recommend Inclusive Leadership Lab!”

• Special Education Coordinator

Making Learning Actionable for Adult Learners

We design every session based on researched principles of adult learning theory, including:

• ✔️ Immediate application

• ✔️ Collaboration and feedback

• ✔️ Reflection and follow-up

• ✔️ Relevance to participants’ day-to-day work

We recognize that time is scarce. That’s why all learning experiences are:

• Tool-rich and action-oriented

• Grounded in school-based scenarios

• Delivered with follow-up support available
  

We don’t Add to Your Plate: We Help You Meet the Goals You Already Made!

Our services are intentionally aligned with:

• Your strategic plans

• Your state & federal compliance & accreditation requirements

• Your Individual Professional Learning Goals
  
  

Whether you're focused on compliance, Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), or your own district equity blueprint, we tailor facilitation and coaching accordingly.

We Help you Scale for Long-Term Impact & Implementation.

Unlike standalone, “sit-and-get” PD sessions, our model is built for lasting impact. We offer:

• Multi-year facilitation plans

• Train-the-trainer capacity-building enhanced with AI - so your coach can spend more time on pedagogy and less time on administrative tasks

• Instructional Coaching support

• Leadership Coaching 

• Fidelity tools and implementation rubrics
  

We work with districts of all sizes, ranging from small rural to urban.

All of our Work is Based in Current Research

Our approach is informed by research and frameworks, including:

• John Hattie’s Visible Learning

• The Science of Reading and the IDA Knowledge & Practice Standards

• CASEL’s Social-Emotional Learning Framework

• Knowles’ Adult Learning Theory and experiential learning models

• Transformational Leadership Framework

• Conflict Resolution Coaching

We frequently review findings from the What Works Clearinghouse and other peer-reviewed sources to ensure ongoing relevance and rigor.

When You Work With Inclusive Leadership Lab, You Get:

✅ High-quality, research-aligned training
✅ Customizable content to meet your district’s needs
✅ Built-in accountability and feedback mechanisms
✅ Flexible delivery (virtual, hybrid, or onsite)
✅ Tools staff can begin using tomorrow

Ready to Partner with Inclusive Leadership Lab?

Whether you're a district leader seeking compliance-ready programming or a principal looking to boost instructional quality, we're here to support your educators and the students they serve.

▶️ Explore our service options
▶️ Download our ever-growing Leadership Bibliography
▶️ Schedule a free consultation today - Here is my Calendar

Keywords:
evidence-based professional development, inclusive education training, K-12 professional learning, school improvement consulting, instructional coaching, IDEA compliance, adult learning theory in schools