§9501 Definitions

Summary

Defines many key words used in this part of the education law. Elementary school, secondary school, local educational agency, and State educational agency — use the meanings in section 7801; outlying areas — as defined in section 6331(c); freely associated states — the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau. Applied research — research to solve a clear education need and improve practice; basic research — research to build fundamental knowledge about education; field-initiated research — basic or applied research started by investigators (including teachers). Board — the National Board for Education Sciences (see section 9516); Institute — the Institute of Education Sciences (see section 9511); Director — the Director of the Institute; Department — the Department of Education; Secretary — the Secretary of Education; Bureau — the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Comprehensive center and national research and development center — entities created under sections 9602 and 9533(c), respectively. Institution of higher education and historically Black college or university — use the meanings in sections 1001(a) and 1061. Development — using research findings to make and test materials, methods, or processes that improve student learning and can be used in different schools. Dissemination — sharing research results in clear, usable ways for teachers, parents, policymakers, and others. Early childhood educator — a person who provides nonresidential child care that is legally operating under State law for ages birth through kindergarten entry; provider of early childhood services — public or private child-care and early-learning programs such as child care, Head Start/Early Head Start, preschools, kindergartens, and libraries. Scientifically based research standards — rigorous, appropriate methods and review that produce reliable, valid findings (including clear reporting, proper measurement and analysis, peer review, and designs suited to the question); scientifically valid research — applied, basic, or field-initiated research meeting those standards. Scientifically valid education evaluation — evaluations that use the strongest possible research design and analysis, describe and link program implementation to impacts, analyze results versus expected effects, use random assignment when feasible, and may study implementation with valid methods. State — includes the 50 States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the freely associated states, and the outlying areas (except as provided in section 9548). Technical assistance — help finding and using research-based solutions, including training, help with statistics and evaluations, and other support to improve teaching and learning.