What Works in Schools: Translating Research into Action - This first two chapters of this book are available online. Chapter 1, Introducing the Best of Times, examines criticism in the latter half of the 20th century that painted a bleak, almost hopeless picture of the state of U.S. public education, questioning even the possibility that the effects of student background could be overcome. Analyzing 35 years of research, the author dissents, beginning his case with three assertions: (1) studies support the potential impact of schools when interpreted properly, (2) research on the effectiveness of schools considered as a whole paints a very positive image of their impact on student achievement and (3) schools that are highly effective produce results that almost entirely overcome the effects of student background. Chapter 2, The School-Level Factors, also is available online. (Robert J. Marzano, Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development, 2003)...

Scientifically Based Research - Submitted Paper - As part of a U.S. Department of Education workshop, Stephen Raudenbush from the University of Michigan, discusses the importance of applying scientific research to education and the questions that surface when attempting to do so. (U.S. Department of Education, February 2002) ...

Scientifically Based Research — U.S. Department of Education - The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, which reauthorized the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, calls for the use of "scientifically based research" as the foundation for many education programs and for classroom instruction. Assistant Secretary for Elementary and Secondary Education Susan Neuman hosted a seminar in February 2002 where leading experts in the fields of education and science discussed the meaning of scientifically based research and its status across various disciplines, including reading, math, safe and drug-free schools, and comprehensive school reform. (U. S. Department of Education, February 2002)...