This dissertation considers the effects of national rankings, specifically the 2010 National Research Council (NRC)'s Data-Based Assessment of Research-Doctorate Programs, on higher education institutions' behavior. National research studies of graduate education require significant resources and data, yet it is uncertain how universities make…

This data book represents a count of children and their well-being in society. It is intended to serve as a reference document, merging into a common format vital records (births and deaths), census information, and administrative data from many sources. The book is also intended to serve as an organized, cohesive and accurate view of how children…

Student/Teacher Ratios are calculated by dividing the fall enrollment count by the number of full-time equivalent teachers. Full-time equivalency (FTE) is the amount of time required to perform an assignment stated as a proportion of a full-time position, and computed by dividing the amount of time employed by the time normally required for a…

In an effort to highlight the importance of identifying children who have been lead poisoned, the Illinois Department of Public Health produces its surveillance report to alert the community to the geographical risk of lead poisoning and to report on screening results. The hope is that increased public awareness will result in less harm to…

A Public Library Association (PLA) survey compiled information on public libraries in bibliographic networks. Aspects identified and measured were perceptions of participation, reasons for non-participation, reactions to services, and suggestions for increasing participation. Recommendations are made for actions by PLA and the networks to ensure…

Noting that obtaining facts and figures on important policy issues related to children is the critical first step toward identifying what is working and what needs improvement, this Kids Count guide is designed to help local community members find and use data on the condition of children and families in Minnesota. The guide describes how to…

This paper focuses on the role that job analysis plays under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The most obvious use of job analysis data is in defining the essential functions of each job. The job analysis technique used should: list the functions of the job, define which functions are essential rather than marginal, and offer proof of…

This report examines the changes that occurred in college student financial aid between 1986-87 and 1989-90 by comparing students receiving various forms of aid in the fall of 1986 with those receiving aid in the fall of 1989. The data used were derived from the 1987 and 1990 National Postsecondary Student Aid Studies (NPSAS). The overall focus of…

What percent of Americans have been exposed to arts education? Has it changed over time? How do demographic characteristics correlate with arts education? What is the state of arts education in U.S. schools? These research questions are the focus of this report, which is presented in two parts. Using data from the Surveys of Public Participation…