This protocol guided the review of research that informed the recommendations contained in the What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) practice guide Using Student Achievement Data to Support Instructional Decision Making, published in September 2009. The research review involved the following steps: (1) The research staff searched the professional literature to identify relevant studies. Additional studies were identified by the expert panel; (2) Studies were screened to determine whether they were within the scope of the practice guide; and (3) Eligible studies were assessed against WWC evidence standards.