Intended for researchers, policy makers, and planners, the studies in this volume examine issues in communication policy and planning in developing nations. The five studies discuss the following: (1) the organizational and methodological aspects of communication planning, including structure and organization, methods and models; (2) the economics…

A survey was conducted to identify the patterns of academic and administrative computer services in use--or planned for the near future--in small colleges and universities as they relate to such strategic policy areas as: (1) management/governance structure; (2) personnel-staff; (3) personnel-faculty; (4) academic computing; (5) library services;…

The paper is based on the assumption that race-related differences in mathematics achievement cannot be understood adequately without also considering the factors of social class and gender. A model to explain group differences in mathematics achievement is presented; it serves as a framework for the literature review. The model considers…

Reports results of unobtrusive testing of reference service (asking reference questions of library staff who are unaware of being evaluated) in government documents and central reference areas of 26 U.S. libraries. Accuracy of answers, interview and search process duration, referral, and use of catalog and technology are highlighted. (12…

Provides a model for measuring the influence of book quantity and quality, personnel, organization, physical facilities, and user characteristics on loans by 700 Quebec primary and secondary school libraries in 1978-79. Links library output (loans) to inputs (personnel, books) in a production function framework. Includes policy recommendation for…

In separate articles, two educators present their arguments for and against the proposition that empirically based practice, the integration of practice methods with research methods, should be taught in social work practice courses. Each also responds to the other's essay. (MSE)

This article examines the relationship between research and service provision to persons with severe mental retardation, notes frequent methodological deficiencies in current research, and proposes establishment of Australian research centers to coordinate research efforts and link research to service delivery. (DB)

Described is the role of technology in the Human Genome Project. A poster of the human genome as is known in 1990 is provided with a list of representative genes and a glossary of terms. (CW)

The National Early Literacy Panel (NELP) was appointed in 2002 and carried out its work under the auspices of the National Center for Family Literacy (NCFL). NELP's primary goal was to identify interventions, parenting activities, and instructional practices that promote the development of children's early literacy skills. The National Institute…

The rapidly developing and changing networking and telecommunications environment now being implemented in the United States and across the globe is explored. The creation of a flexible and inexpensive digital network allowing instantaneous access by any individual to information of any type is now within our grasp. A primer on the technology…

This panel longitudinal study, originally conducted in Washington and systematically replicated in New Mexico, investigated the long-term educational placements of students served in preschool special education programs. Subjects were the 4338 children who graduated from preschool programs for children with disabilities during two 5-year periods.…

This report synthesizes information from many sources about state and local Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) evaluation activities and issues. The report's five sections are interrelated, but each can stand alone as a discussion piece on JTPA evaluation. The first section, on the role of evaluation in JTPA, outlines the rationale for doing…

This chapter examines, from four perspectives, the ways in which educational research, development, and evaluation activities in the United States are organized, controlled, and supported, and considers whether research can be properly used to shape educational policy and practice. First, the size and historical development of the research and…

The economic value of higher education, whether it is a good investment, and ways that the value can be measured are described in this critical review of concepts and methods in the economics of higher education. Three parts form the structure of the book: (1) summary and stage setting; (2) the economic value of higher education: the classical…

This paper (1) presents a critical analysis of the literature on school readiness and school failure; (2) discusses the problems that ill conceived policies based upon readiness studies present to the education of learning disabled, regular class, and gifted children; and (3) offers guidelines for policies and programs. Methodological issues…