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Scientifically based research refers to the application of rigorous, systematic, and objective procedures to gather information. In terms of comprehensive school reform (CSR), this research includes investigations of interventions that provide positive outcomes—usually related to student achievement. Under No Child Left Behind, states and school districts now have greater responsibility to demonstrate that the programs supported by CSR funds are based in scientific research.
SBR is defined in the Elementary and Secondary School Education
Act in Title IX, Part A (37). This definition applies to all programs
under ESEA except the Reading First Program, which has its own definition.
SBR is defined for CSR by the following six criteria:
- Employs systematic,
empirical methods;
- Involves rigorous
data analyses;
- Relies on measurements
that provide reliable and valid data;
- Uses experimental
or quasi-experimental designs;
- Ensures that studies
are clear and detailed to allow for replication; and
- Has been reviewed
or accepted by independent experts.
Resources for Defining SBR:
Evidence-Based Education (2001) - U.S. Department of Education
On December 18, 2001, Assistant Secretary Grover J. (Russ) Whitehurst
of the U.S. Department of Educational Research and Improvement gave
a presentation on evidence-based education (EBE) -- education that
results from selecting educational programs, practices and strategies
that have strong empirical evidence of effectiveness and support
from professional experience. In the presentation, Whitehurst defines
EBE and stresses its importance in creating an American education
system that enables all children to achieve at the highest levels.
http://www.ed.gov/nclb/methods/whatworks/eb/edlite-slide001.html
Federal CSR Program Guidance: Appendix C (2002) - U.S. Department
of Education
Appendix C provides guidance on scientifically based research and
the Comprehensive School Reform Program.
http://www.ed.gov/programs/compreform/legislation.html
Research in Education: On the Leading Edge of School Improvement?
(2002) - Progressive Policy Institute
Research in Education documents the proceedings of a forum on research in education presented by the National Education Knowledge Industry Association, the Progressive Policy Institute, and the Education Quality Institute. This forum included a keynote address by Reid Lyon on "Informing Education Practices and Policies through Education Research."
http://www.ppionline.org/ppi_ci.cfm?knlgAreaID=110&subsecID=181
&contentID=250346
Scientifically Based Research (2002) - U.S. Department of Education
This section of the U.S. Department of Education's web site has
the proceedings of a seminar hosted by Assistant Secretary for Elementary
and Secondary Education Susan Neuman dealing with SBR and its implications
for various disciplines. Contents include -
- "What is Scientifically
Based Evidence" - a paper and presentation by Valerie Reyna;
- "The Logic and
the Basic Principles of Scientific Based Research" - paper
and presentation by Michael Feuer and Lisa Towne; and
- Implications of SBR for Math, Reading, Safe and Drug-Free Schools, and CSR.
http://www.ed.gov/nclb/methods/whatworks/research/index.html
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