NCLB Scientifically Based Research 5

Question 1

Critics argued that NCLB's emphasis on scientifically based research favored which type of study design, potentially limiting educational innovation?

Accepted Answer

Randomized controlled trials modeled after medical research

Answer

Critics contended that privileging randomized controlled trials — borrowed from medicine — was difficult to implement in schools and may have excluded valuable qualitative evidence.

Question 2

Under NCLB, if a scientifically based research study was conducted entirely in suburban schools, a district serving rural students should:

Accepted Answer

Consider whether the findings generalize to rural contexts before adopting the program

Answer

Generalizability — whether findings apply to different populations or settings — is an important consideration when implementing research-based programs.

Question 3

Which scenario best illustrates a 'comparison group' as required under NCLB's scientifically based research standard?

Accepted Answer

Students receiving the intervention are compared to similar students who did not receive it

Answer

A proper comparison group consists of students with similar characteristics who do not receive the intervention, isolating the program's effect.

Question 4

NCLB required that scientifically based research findings be 'accepted by a peer-reviewed journal OR approved by a panel of independent experts.' This dual pathway was designed to:

Accepted Answer

Provide a rigorous review option when peer-reviewed publication was not yet available

Answer

The dual pathway acknowledged that important research might not yet be published but could still undergo rigorous independent expert review.

Question 5

A school implements a discipline program that reduced suspensions in one school. Under NCLB's standards, what additional evidence would most strengthen its classification as scientifically based research?

Accepted Answer

A second school in a different region independently replicating the reduction in suspensions

Answer

Independent replication across different schools or contexts strengthens a finding's claim to meet NCLB's scientifically based research standard.

NCLB - No Child Left Behind Act Practice Test

NCLB - No Child Left Behind Act Practice Test

NCLB Scientifically Based Research 5