An overview of research on school effectiveness shows that the prescriptive messages from the research (usually in the areas of norms, tasks, and relationships in schooling) can be clarified and mitigated by administrators' precautionary messages that point out the measurement and methodological problems of such research. (JW)

This article explores the utilization of qualitative methodologies in program evaluation, the rationale for using these approaches, and the potential qualitative applications within evaluation. It also describes the "scientific" and "artistic" qualitative methodologies, suggests practical qualitative application, and calls for…

Research described by Walton and Sedlak ("Merrill-Palmer Quarterly," v28, n3, p389-412, 1982) is used to illustrate a movement within the general area of socialization research toward the incorporation of concepts from subareas of psychology. (MP)

Administrators cannot afford to remain ignorant of the work of neuroscientists over the last 30 years. The findings of brain research can help administrators gain a better understanding of decision making. The author lists four benefits to education that administrators can provide through greater knowledge of the brain. (WD)

Educational research has been excessively atheoretical and has not produced an accumulating body of systematically observed empirical facts. Much of the best work has been reductionist, partly because it has been rooted in paradigms of the behavioral sciences and partly because of the fragmentation of the community of professional researchers.…

Considers the rightful relationship of theory to practice in the field of reading; outlines some ways to integrate theory and practice, noting that the work of Jean Piaget can aid in this task. (GT)

Briefly describes the content, organization, and multiple influences on the 4-H program in relation to a national program evaluation. Discusses influences of the sponsors and evaluators on the evaluation and problems encountered because of competing values and perceptions. Reviews evaluation findings and speculates on the utilization of the…

Ethnography has raised various issues for the educational research manager (the person responsible for directing a large-scale research and/or evaluation project). These include selection and management of ethnographers, negotiation of ethnographers' onsite roles, communication and coordination of ethnographers, and ethnographic data processing…

Discusses technology transfer through the channel of international students and four types of transfer (knowledge, expertise, invention, and equipment). Raises questions about the appropriateness of what is taught to foreign students and its relevance to their home countries. (SK)

Examines implications of public interest in findings on brain development for building support for high-quality early childhood education. Discusses how children learn, neural plasticity, and the existence of critical periods. Provides recommendations for parents, caregivers, policymakers, and the public from the Families and Work Institute…

Reviews the benefits a community college can accrue through a search for institutional distinctiveness, focusing on the value of the research process itself, the findings, and the changes that will take place if the findings are used effectively in planning and marketing. (DMM)

Presents an account of the Mondale Initiative, i.e., an attempt during the period from 1967-73 to develop a national system of social indicators to improve social policy. The role of social scientists in national decision making and policy formation is examined, and a legislative history of the Mondale Initiative is appended. (51 references) (LRW)

Discusses two recent stories in the newspaper "Education Week" and the need for educators to be aware of recent research to make informed decisions about teaching methods. (PRA)

Suggests a framework for federal leadership in redesigning national education dissemination system to enhance use of educational research and development. Components of framework are education resources, dissemination functions, bureaucratic levels, content focus related to users' needs, and participants' roles and skills. Described are current…

Contends assessing new findings in understanding nature of associations between teenage childbearing and social or reproductive disadvantage and incorporating them into appropriate policy debate and development is a challenge complicated by failure of those translating them for practitioners to do so accurately. Discusses examples of such…