NCLB - No Child Left Behind Act Scientifically Based Research Questions and Answers

Question 1

According to the No Child Left Behind Act, "scientifically based research" is characterized by the application of rigorous, systematic, and objective procedures.
Which of the following is an essential component of this definition?

Accepted Answer

The research has been evaluated by a peer-review process or a panel of independent experts.

Answer

The research is based on teacher anecdotes and testimonials.

Answer

The research findings align with the district's current educational philosophy.

Answer

The research was published in a popular, non-academic education magazine.

Question 2

A school district is considering adopting a new mathematics curriculum to comply with NCLB's emphasis on using proven methods. They are reviewing four different programs. Which program's evidence most closely aligns with the principles of "scientifically based research"?

Accepted Answer

Program D, which was validated through a large-scale study using random assignment of students to either the new curriculum or a control group, with results published in a peer-reviewed journal.

Answer

Program A, which has received glowing testimonials from teachers in a neighboring district.

Answer

Program B, which is based on a well-established educational theory but has not yet been formally tested in classrooms.

Answer

Program C, which showed positive results in a single-classroom case study conducted by the curriculum's developer.

Question 3

What was the primary purpose for including the "scientifically based research" requirement in the No Child Left Behind Act?

Accepted Answer

To ensure that federal funding was directed toward educational programs and practices that had a proven record of effectiveness.

Answer

To mandate a single, uniform national curriculum for all public schools.

Answer

To increase the publication rate of university-based education researchers.

Answer

To reduce the amount of time teachers needed to spend on professional development activities.

Question 4

The No Child Left Behind Act's definition of scientifically based research includes several key criteria. Which of the following is NOT a required characteristic for research to be considered "scientifically based" under NCLB?

Accepted Answer

The findings must be unanimously agreed upon by all experts in the field.

Answer

It relies on systematic, empirical methods and rigorous data analysis.

Answer

Its methods and results are detailed enough to allow for replication by others.

Answer

It uses experimental or quasi-experimental designs where appropriate to evaluate an intervention's effects.

Question 5

A software vendor tells a school principal that their new reading intervention is supported by "scientifically based research" as defined by NCLB. The vendor presents a study showing that students in one school who used the software improved their reading scores over the year. What critical question should the principal ask to determine if this claim is valid?

Accepted Answer

"Was there a control or comparison group of similar students who did not use the software?"

Answer

"Is the software compatible with our current computer hardware?"

Answer

"How many teachers have said they enjoy using the software?"

Answer

"Can we get a discount for purchasing a district-wide license?"

Question 6

Which of the following research methods was most strongly emphasized by the No Child Left Behind Act as a means of establishing that an educational practice is supported by scientifically based research?

Accepted Answer

Randomized controlled trials

Answer

Qualitative case studies

Answer

Action research conducted by classroom teachers

Answer

Correlational studies without statistical controls

According to the No Child Left Behind Act, "scientifically based research" is characterized by the application of rigorous, systematic, and objective procedures.Which of the following is an essential component of this definition?

According to the No Child Left Behind Act, "scientifically based research" is characterized by the application of rigorous, systematic, and objective procedures.
Which of the following is an essential component of this definition?