Efficacy of a Second-Grade Science Program: Increasing Science Outcomes for All Students

Abstract

This study, which was reviewed through the Registered Report process, examined the initial efficacy of the Scientific Explorers program (Sci2) on second-grade students’ science achievement. Sci2 is grounded in the growing body of empirical research on science instruction, embedding principles of explicit instruction within a guided inquiry-based design framework. Eighteen second-grade classrooms were randomly assigned to treatment or control conditions. A cluster randomized controlled trial was employed, with 294 students nested within classrooms and classrooms nested within condition. The Sci2 program was implemented for a total of 10 lessons (5 hr) in treatment classrooms, whereas control classrooms provided business-as-usual science instruction. Overall treatment effects were observed on three of four science outcome measures. The reported effects were moderate to large, with effect sizes (Hedges’ g) ranging from 0.48 to 0.94. Moderation analyses indicated that science knowledge at pretest did not moderate Sci2’s effects. Implications for practice and research are discussed.

Measuring Success: Integrating Number Lines Into Measurement Instruction for Students With Learning Disabilities

“…He uses the principles of explicit instruction to systematically introduce the new concept of liquid volume to his students. Mr. Galibier includes clear definitions of new vocabulary terms, models his thinking in how to solve the problem, provides ample practice opportunities, and gives concise academic feedback to guide students through the learning process to improve their mathematic success (Doabler et al, 2021).…”

“…Whereas interventions for solving word problems and fractions have garnered much research attention given their prominent visibility within high-stakes testing, solving equations directly related to their application within various forms of measurement has gained less attention (Rittle-Johnson, & Jordan, 2016). Even though measurement is a critical area of mathematics for students to master, concepts of measurement are often neglected in core mathematics programs and from the spotlight of educational intervention research (Doabler et al, 2021). However, the most recent What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) Practice Guide (2021) sheds light on an evidence-based instructional technique for assisting students with LD in mathematics.…”

A How-to Guide for Open-Science Practices in Special Education Research

“…A study cannot be rejected at Stage 2 because of the direction or perceived interestingness of findings. An example of a registered report in the special education literature is Doabler et al's (2021) experiment examining the effects of a science program.…”