Implementing scientific-based research: learning from the history of the reading first program

Abstract

The No Child Left Behind Act requires that educators at all grade levels use Scientifically Based Research (SBR) instructional practices. Researchers constructed a literature-based model to examine the predictive relationship between a state’s comprehensiveness of planned implementation and its capacity to implement the plan. An approach comprised survey research, and content analysis was employed to test the model and determine factors predicting SBR implementation. Findings indicated that cross functional linkages, consequential loss of funding, and inter-organizational partnerships were predictors of the comprehensiveness of implementation.

Appendices

Appendix A

1.1 Checklist of the SBR components

Directions: Each component will be scored as follows:

3 :

if the state plan exceeds beyond that comprehensively stated in the act

2 :

if the state plan explicitly matches the act

1 :

if the state plan partially matches the act

0 :

if the state plan does not contain the component.

• (1) The process by which the State educational agency, using expert review, will select local educational agencies to receive sub grants.

• (2) The selection criteria by which the State educational agency, using expert review, will select local educational agencies to receive subgrants.

• (3) How the State educational agency will ensure that funds are limited to comprehensive school reform programs that

  • (a) employ proven strategies and proven methods for student learning that are

    • $\approx$ based on scientifically based research and

    • $\approx$ effective practices and

    • $\approx$ have been replicated successfully in schools

      AND

  • (b) employ proven strategies and proven methods for teaching that are

    • $\approx$ based on scientifically based research and

    • $\approx$ effective practices and

    • $\approx$ have been replicated successfully in schools

      AND

  • (c) employ proven strategies and proven methods for school management that are

    • $\approx$ based on scientifically based research and

    • $\approx$ effective practices and

    • $\approx$ have been replicated successfully in schools

  • (d) (i) have been found, through scientifically based research, to significantly improve the academic achievement of students participating in such program as compared to students in schools who have not participated in such program;

    or

  • (d) (ii) have been found to have strong evidence that such program will significantly improve the academic achievement of participating children.

• (4) That indicates how the State educational agency will disseminate materials and information on comprehensive school reforms that are

  • $\approx$ based on scientifically based research and

  • $\approx$ effective practices.

• (5) That indicates how the State educational agency will provide technical assistance:

  • $\approx$ the local educational agency or consortia of local educational agencies, and

  • $\approx$ participating schools, in

  • $\approx$ evaluating,

  • $\approx$ developing, and

  • $\approx$ implementing comprehensive school reform.

Appendix B

1.1 Examples of items on the survey

The intent of this survey is to investigate various factors’ relationships with the implementation of Scientific Based Research (SBR) as delineated in the NCLB Act. We appreciate your time and effort in this endeavor to add to the understanding of this process.