June 2002 — Industry Perspective
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The Impact of ESEA's Scientifically Based Research Requirement on Schools' Technology Solutions
State departments of education and school districts nationwide struggle to interpret and understand the new No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act, also known as the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). This has led some districts to take a "wait and see" approach to planning how they will use the appropriated funds, further delaying student achievement. Many educators do not realize the bill simplifies much of their decision making, and points to very positive changes for education and student achievement.
The NCLB legislation was enacted "to ensure that all children have a fair, equal and significant opportunity to obtain a high-quality education and reach, at a minimum, proficiency on challenging [state academic standards and assessments]." No one is going to argue with that goal. But some educators are concerned about the emphasis on scientifically based research. What, exactly, d'es that mean for educators and for those who provide education programs to the nation's schools? This requirement, that districts implement products and programs founded on scientifically based research, is one of the bill's greatest strengths. When coupled with effective professional development, these educational solutions represent an overwhelmingly positive move toward improving student achievement nationwide.
The scientifically based research requirement puts real teeth into the accountability component for educators, while also affecting the companies behind the educational solutions. As written in the NCLB legislation, the term scientifically based research means "research that involves the application of rigorous, systematic and objective procedures to obtain reliable and valid knowledge relevant to education activities and programs." The net message: Educators must select companies that use research to create solutions and then assess those solutions' effects on student achievement.
The research goal ensures school districts will consistently evaluate companies and products based on scientific information rather than on rhetoric and major advertising campaigns. It further ensures that the companies themselves do not focus on the sizzle without the substance.
Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the mandate for scientifically based research products is that many companies are scrambling to meet a goal that cannot be met by simply creating a document or tweaking a software program. Every company that creates educational solutions for school districts and children should be meeting this standard every day. Selecting the right technology partner has never been more important to America's schools. School districts can do plenty to identify and weed out the nonperforming companies. Here are the elements to look for in a scientifically based research technology solution:
1. Research foundation for products. It seems like common sense would dictate that companies consult existing data on what works for student achievement as they develop their technology solutions. However, when school districts begin asking for the research, pedagogy and design elements of many companies' products, they are met with blank stares. Companies often underestimate the level of knowledge and expertise required to develop and evaluate high-quality instructional materials, both online and off, for an increasingly sophisticated education audience. For each of its solutions, each company should be able to provide written documentation of research and its application, including:
