• employs systematic, empirical methods that draw on observation or experiment;
• involves rigorous data analyses that are adequate to test the stated hypotheses and justify the general conclusions drawn;
• relies on measurements or observational methods that provide reliable and valid data across evaluators and observers, across multiple measurements and observations, and across studies by the same or different investigators;
• is evaluated using experimental or quasi-experimental designs in which individuals, entities, programs or activities are assigned to different conditions and with appropriate controls to evaluate the effects of the condition of interest, with a preference for random-assignment experiments, or other designs to the extent that those designs contain within-condition or across-condition controls;
• ensures experimental studies are presented in sufficient detail and clarity to allow for replication or, at a minimum, offer the opportunity to build systematically on their findings; and/or
• has been accepted by a peer-reviewed journal or approved by a panel of independent experts through a comparably rigorous, objective and scientific review.

Source: U.S. Department of Education Policy Guidance "Guidance for the Reading First Program" April 1, 2002 http://www.ed.gov/programs/readingfirst/guidance.doc

• Discussion Builders Workshop