The evaluation system used by the District of Columbia Public Schools is explained. Information is organized to assess four categories: students; instructional personnel; classroom characteristics; and reading programs. The system is used to provide basic profiles and comparative information for four areas of planning: (1) needs assessment; (2)…

Program Effectiveness and Related Costs (PERC), a comprehensive data management plan developed at Empire State College, is the subject of this explanatory report. Chapter 1 presents the conceptual framework of the program which incorporates data on outcomes, costs, programs, students, and faculty, and also incorporates a "multiple perspectives…

The operational features of feasible alternative configurations for a computer-based instructional management system are identified. Potential alternative means and components of accomplishing these features are briefly described. Included are aspects of data collection, data input, data transmission, data reception, scanning and processing,…

The initial client assessment procedures used by case managers in the Wisconsin Works (W-2) program in Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, were examined. Data were collected through the following activities: (1) observations of 100 financial and employment planner (FEP)-applicant intake interviews; (2) an examination of administrative data to learn how…

Analyzes the use of relevant international data to inform educational policy. Notes that such data can be used to extend research on school effects by incorporating comparative data, by evaluating the trade-offs involved in attempts to raise national achievement levels, and by broadening the range of international data. (MJP)

Describes an introductory sociology class that used two forms of an in-class survey to conduct experiments regarding response framework: response order and question order. The results of the experiment are presented to the class. This encourages critical thinking and informed skepticism about research methodologies. (MJP)

Maintains that time constraints and lack of supervisory support often result in truncated and derivative research projects in experimental psychology. Focusing on a research proposal can provide insight into the research process and require relevant data collection while avoiding the pitfalls of longer projects. (MJP)

Describes the Science for Early Adolescence Teachers (Science FEAT) program, a three-year teacher enhancement program for middle-grade teachers of science based at the Florida State University. Discusses the courses for the teacher-participants as well as the activities for administrators. (JRH)

This article describes the methodological challenges and processes involved in designing and conducting the School Health Policies and Programs Study. Information is provided on questionnaire development, sampling, data collection, and weighting and variance estimation. (SM)

This annual report highlights the work of some grantees who are finding innovative ways to respond to today's new challenges based on a rigorous commitment by their leadership to gathering pertinent facts. These include cities that are planning wide-scale, lasting improvements in arts learning or out-of-school opportunities, basing their choices…

As part of a national Middle Start initiative led by the Academy for Educational Development (AED), Mid South Middle Start is committed to working with high-poverty schools in the Mid South Delta region to build their capacity to foster students' academic excellence, support the development of young adolescents, and achieve social equity in…

Recruiting schools and kids to participate in drug prevention evaluations is no longer, if it ever was, a "done deal." Since the mid-1980s, schools have been inundated with requirements for drug programs and requests to cooperate with program evaluations. As a consequence, both treatment and control schools are harder to find. In addition, many…

As required by law, state education agencies receiving funds under the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act submitted reports on the number and location of homeless children and youth in their states to the U.S. Department of Education. These reports also include data on the nature and extent of problems of access to education and student…

As part of the baseline studies necessary for a new strategic plan for the Saginaw (Michigan) public schools, the relationship of grade point averages (GPAs), student absence, and Michigan Educational Assessment Program (MEAP) results were studied relative to the amount of shared variation common to each. All possible correlations were studied at…

This report describes early intervention activities in Maryland funded by Consolidated Local Implementation Grants from July 1991 through June 1992. This program is the single grant mechanism through which local agencies in Maryland receive funding for early intervention services from Parts B and H of the federal Individuals with Disabilities…