Experimental and Quasi-Experimental Research
Studies with experimental designs are generally considered by both the No Child Left Behind Act and the research community to provide the strongest evidence of effectiveness and are consistent with the definition of scientifically based research. These studies are conducted using treatment and control groups to establish a causal relationship between two or more variables. Accelerated Reader and Accelerated Math are supported by several studies with experimental designs.

Correlational and Case Studies
A correlational study tries to describe an association between two or more variables to explain why or how something is happening using statistical analysis. Renaissance Learning’s case studies feature schools and districts seeing gains in state test scores and other areas that educators attribute, in part, to using Renaissance Learning tools.

Product Foundation White Papers
Product foundation white papers provide a thorough description of the research base behind each Renaissance Learning personalized practice tool.

Reliability, Validity, and Usability Assessment Research
To be useful, an assessment must be reliable and valid. Reliability is the extent to which a test yields consistent results from one administration of the test to another. Validity is the degree to which a test measures what it claims to measure. Studies conducted on Renaissance Learning’s Accelerated Reader, STAR Reading, STAR Early Literacy, and STAR Math assessments support that they are all reliable and valid. A reliable and valid assessment is even more useful if it is also cost-effective. Research on Renaissance assessments also demonstrates the usability of these tools—in other words, the efficiency of these computer-based assessments.

Independent Reviews
Independent Reviews of Renaissance Learning’s tools have been conducted by external groups, such as the What Works Clearinghouse, or university professors and are available online or have been published in other publications, such as the Buros Institute’s Mental Measurements Yearbook.