20 USC 9501 - Definitions

U.S Code last checked for updates: Nov 22, 2024

§ 9501.

Definitions

In this subchapter:

(1)

(A)

In general

(B)

Outlying areas

(C)

Freely associated states

(2)

Applied research

The term “applied research” means research—

(A)

to gain knowledge or understanding necessary for determining the means by which a recognized and specific need may be met; and

(B)

that is specifically directed to the advancement of practice in the field of education.

(3)

Basic research

The term “basic research” means research—

(A)

to gain fundamental knowledge or understanding of phenomena and observable facts, without specific application toward processes or products; and

(B)

for the advancement of knowledge in the field of education.

(4)

Board

(5)

Bureau

(6)

Comprehensive center

(7)

Department

(8)

Development

(9)

Director

(10)

Dissemination

(11)

Early childhood educator

(12)

Field-initiated research

(13)

Historically Black college or university

(14)

Institute

(15)

Institution of higher education

(16)

National research and development center

(17)

Provider of early childhood services

The term “provider of early childhood services” means a public or private entity that serves young children, including—

(A)

child care providers;

(B)

Head Start agencies operating Head Start programs, and entities carrying out Early Head Start programs, under the Head Start Act (42 U.S.C. 9831 et seq.);

(C)

preschools;

(D)

kindergartens; and

(E)

libraries.

(18)

Scientifically based research standards

(A)

The term “scientifically based research standards” means research standards that—

(i)

apply rigorous, systematic, and objective methodology to obtain reliable and valid knowledge relevant to education activities and programs; and

(ii)

present findings and make claims that are appropriate to and supported by the methods that have been employed.

(B)

The term includes, appropriate to the research being conducted—

(i)

employing systematic, empirical methods that draw on observation or experiment;

(ii)

involving data analyses that are adequate to support the general findings;

(iii)

relying on measurements or observational methods that provide reliable data;

(iv)

making claims of causal relationships only in random assignment experiments or other designs (to the extent such designs substantially eliminate plausible competing explanations for the obtained results);

(v)

ensuring that studies and methods are presented in sufficient detail and clarity to allow for replication or, at a minimum, to offer the opportunity to build systematically on the findings of the research;

(vi)

obtaining acceptance by a peer-reviewed journal or approval by a panel of independent experts through a comparably rigorous, objective, and scientific review; and

(vii)

using research designs and methods appropriate to the research question posed.

(19)

Scientifically valid education evaluation

The term “scientifically valid education evaluation” means an evaluation that—

(A)

adheres to the highest possible standards of quality with respect to research design and statistical analysis;

(B)

provides an adequate description of the programs evaluated and, to the extent possible, examines the relationship between program implementation and program impacts;

(C)

provides an analysis of the results achieved by the program with respect to its projected effects;

(D)

employs experimental designs using random assignment, when feasible, and other research methodologies that allow for the strongest possible causal inferences when random assignment is not feasible; and

(E)

may study program implementation through a combination of scientifically valid and reliable methods.

(20)

Scientifically valid research

(21)

Secretary

(22)

State

(23)

Technical assistance

The term “technical assistance” means—

(A)

assistance in identifying, selecting, or designing solutions based on research, including professional development and high-quality training to implement solutions leading to—

(i)

improved educational and other practices and classroom instruction based on scientifically valid research; and

(ii)

improved planning, design, and administration of programs;

(B)

assistance in interpreting, analyzing, and utilizing statistics and evaluations; and

(C)

other assistance necessary to encourage the improvement of teaching and learning through the applications of techniques supported by scientifically valid research.

(Pub. L. 107–279, title I, § 102, Nov. 5, 2002, 116 Stat. 1941; Pub. L. 114–95, title IX, § 9215(ff)(1), Dec. 10, 2015, 129 Stat. 2174.)

cite as: 20 USC 9501