Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is TSW?
2. What content areas does it cover?
3. When will other content areas be added?
4. Who does the rating?
5. How are the software interventions rated?
6. How often is the research updated?
7. How does the TSW differ from the federal What Works Clearinghouse?
8. How do I get access (a token)?
9. How much does it cost?
10. How can I get a software product reviewed?

1. What is TSW?

Metiri’s TSW is an online database where educators can find out which content area software/technology-based learning solutions have sound research behind them – and which don’t.

2. What content areas does it cover?

The areas of Early Literacy and Secondary Mathematics are currently available for annual licensing.

3. When will other content areas be added?

The next areas slated for development are Adolescent Literacy, Early Mathematics, and Science. No specific release dates are available yet.

4. Who does the rating?

Metiri Group Metiri has established a rigorous, unbiased process for rating the software/interventions as What Works, Promising, Inconclusive, or Can’t Recommend. Part of determining those ratings is to establish a confidence rating in the research studies associated with each software/intervention. Researchers with content expertise from universities across the country (Stanford, University of Virginia, and University of Texas, Austin) work with Metiri partners and associates in conducting these reviews.

5. How are the software interventions rated?

Metiri uses two types of research to categorize technology solutions: impact studies and theoretical basis. A What Works classification requires positive impact studies that find causal or strong correlational links to academic achievement. A designation of Promising requires that the design of the software/technology-based learning strategy be grounded in sound theory related to the learning of a given content area. Where impact studies exist but the results of those studies are mixed, a rating of Inconclusive is assigned. Finally, when the basis in research is missing, inadequate, or seems contrived AND no impact studies are available to support the program, or where the only available studies suggest lack of impact, the intervention receives a designation of Cannot Recommend. Ratings in the database are updated as new evidence becomes available, so it’s a good idea to check back often to remain current.

6. How often is the research updated?

Interventions and research reviews are continuously added to the site, many at the request of clients.

7. How does the TSW differ from the federal What Works Clearinghouse?

Metiri’s TSW ONLY reviews technology-based solutions, while the WWC looks at all types, but ONLY full curricula. Metiri has a category for Promising solutions that don’t have impact studies yet, but that do have a strong theoretical basis. The WWC does not.

8. How do I get access (a token)?

Click here to order.

9. How much does it cost?

Click here for pricing information.

10. How can I get a software product reviewed?

We are always open to suggestions about software/solutions to review. Once you are logged into the site, scroll down to the bottom and click on Suggest an Intervention or Feedback. Outside the website, email us at . Our clients’ recommendations get priority. NOTE to vendors: If you provide Metiri with research studies on the intervention, and/or the theoretical basis, our reviews go much faster.