Scientifically Based Research

Under the No Child Left Behind Act, schools and districts are encouraged or required to implement programs that are proven to be effective through scientifically based research. As defined by NCLB, scientifically based research:

employs systematic, empirical methods that draw on observation or experiment;
involves rigorous data analyses that are adequate to test the stated hypotheses and justify the general conclusions drawn;
relies on measurements or observational methods that provide reliable and valid data across evaluators and observers, across multiple measurements and observations, and across studies by the same or different investigators;
is evaluated using experimental or quasi-experimental designs in which individuals, entities, programs or activities are assigned to different conditions and with appropriate controls to evaluate the effects of the condition of interest, with a preference for random-assignment experiments, or other designs to the extent that those designs contain within-condition or across-condition controls;
ensures experimental studies are presented in sufficient detail and clarity to allow for replication or, at a minimum, offer the opportunity to build systematically on their findings; and/or
has been accepted by a peer-reviewed journal or approved by a panel of independent experts through a comparably rigorous, objective and scientific review.

Source: U.S. Department of Education Policy Guidance "Guidance for the Reading First Program" April 1, 2002 http://www.ed.gov/programs/readingfirst/guidance.doc

Guidance, Regulations, Legislation, and Announcements

Guidance

Non-Regulatory Guidance, Title II, Part A, Improving Teacher Quality State Grants (Word)
For specific information on Scientifically Based Research, refer to section B4.

Regulations

Final Regulation, Title 1- Improving The Academic Achievement Of The Disadvantaged
For specific information on Scientifically Based Research, refer to pages 71723-71724.

Legislation

Final Legislation, Public Law print of PL 107-110, the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001; Title I, Part A, Subpart 1, Sec. 1116-Improving Basic Programs Operated By Local Educational Agencies

Announcements

U.S. Education Department and Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development Hold International Meeting on Evidence-Based Education (April 2004)

Report on Scientifically Based Research Supported by U.S. Department of Education (November 2002)

For Information Specific to California:

Look for: "A Reader's Guide to Scientifically Based Research" at School Reform Resources
Robert E. Slavin's research article explains how to assess the validity of educational research, which is vital for creating effective, sustained reform.

Other Resources

Useful Links

What Works Clearinghouse
The What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) is a project of the U.S. Department of Education's Institute of Education Sciences, established to provide educators, policymakers, and the public with a central and independent source of scientific evidence of what works in education.