A proven method has
research behind it that meets these federal definitions.
NCLB defines
scientifically based reading research as:
(A) applies rigorous, systematic, and objective procedures to
obtain valid knowledge relevant to reading development,
reading instruction, and reading difficulties; and
(B) includes research that
(i) employs systematic, empirical methods that draw on
observation or experiment;
(ii) involves rigorous data analyses that are adequate to test
the stated hypotheses and justify the general conclusions
drawn;
(iii) relies on measurements or observational methods that
provide valid data across evaluators and observers and across
multiple measurements and observations; and
(iv) has been accepted by a peer-reviewed journal or approved
by a panel of independent experts through a comparably
rigorous, objective, and scientific review. (20 U. S. C. §
6368(6))
The statute say that
scientifically based research
(A) means research that involves the application of rigorous,
systematic, and objective procedures to obtain reliable and
valid knowledge relevant to education activities and programs;
and
(B) includes research that
(i) employs systematic, empirical methods that draw on
observation or experiment;
(ii) involves rigorous data analyses that are adequate to test
the stated hypotheses and justify the general conclusions
drawn;
(iii) 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;
(iv) 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;
(v) ensures that 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
(vi) has been accepted by a peer-reviewed journal or approved
by a panel of independent experts through a comparably
rigorous, objective, and scientific review. (20 U. S. C. §
7801(37))
