Education researchers use surveys widely. Yet, critics question respondents' ability to provide high-quality responses. As schools increasingly use student surveys to drive local policy making, respondents' (lack of) motivation to provide quality responses may threaten the wisdom of using questionnaires for data-based decision making. To better…

Describes characteristics and activities of university-based education policy centers. Summarizes the circumstances surrounding the establishment of these centers, and focuses on the missions and activities of existing centers. Discusses the rationale for a national network of centers, and surveys issues to be addressed. Lists 18 university-based…