The federal perspective on scientifically based research

The No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001 encourages and, in some cases
such as Reading First, requires the use of instruction based on scientific
research. The emphasis on scientifically based research supports the consistent
use of instructional methods that have been proven effective. To meet the NCLB
definition of “scientifically based,” research must:

• employ systematic, empirical methods that draw on observation or
experiment;
• involve rigorous data analyses that are adequate to test the stated hypotheses
and justify the general conclusions;
• rely on measurements or observational methods that provide valid data across
evaluators and observers, and across multiple measurements and
observations; and
• be accepted by a peer-reviewed journal or approved by a panel of independent
experts through a comparatively rigorous, objective, and scientific review.