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. (National Institute for Literacy, 2005)