Both the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) require that schools use programs, curricula, and practices based on "scientifically-based research...to the extent practicable." This means that whenever possible, the educational interventions being used must be strongly supported by evidence from well-conducted research studies.
Both the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) require that schools use programs, curricula, and practices based on "scientifically-based research...to the extent practicable." This means that whenever possible, the educational interventions being used must be strongly supported by evidence from well-conducted research studies.
Educational research may be said to be scientific when it:
Educational research may be said to be scientific when it:
- Uses a sound research design. The outcomes of students receiving a tested teaching strategy or intervention are compared to similar students who do not receive the intervention.
- Is based on high quality data analysis. Researchers must be sure to carefully collect, store and examine the data.
- Involves other researchers to review the results. The study should be reported in a journal so other researchers can review the methods used and repeat the research in other settings.
