This report presents a review of follow-up studies of former occupational-technical students at community colleges throughout the nation. The purpose was to evaluate the effectiveness of follow-up studies in measuring attainment of educational goals stated in community college catalogs and literature. This evaluation was made by studying the…

Volume II is a compendium of the major existing literature that (1) describes the activities performed in educational RDD&E; and (2) presents the frameworks or models that have been used to define, describe, differentiate, and relate educational RDD&E. The volume serves as a basic literature source for the design and implementation of new training…

An example is provided of an evaluation in which the formulation of explicit decision rules was a central activity. The case for and against the use of decision rules in program evaluation is considered, and the appropriate context identified. Implications for the rights of decision makers are addressed. (Author/CTM)

The seven articles of this special issue focus on theory and research related to survey methods and whether evaluators need information that is absent from the larger survey literature. These articles reflect the view that the considerations relating to good survey research apply also to using surveys in evaluation. (SLD)

Suggests incorporating into practice those findings that emerge repeatedly in different foster care studies. Identifies four characteristics of children that have been linked to particular outcomes: age at time of placement, contact with biological family, length of time in care, and behavior problems. Shows how incorporation of these factors into…

Program evaluation can be understood as the process of looking at how all aspects of a program or department have been functioning as the basis for informed planning and decision making. Although the objective dimensions used in evaluations can vary, methodologies can be categorized according to the four category framework (i.e., describing…

In a survey of educational researchers, school and district administrators, and policymakers, 1,818 respondents rated educational practices and policies according to their influence on learning and assessability. Classroom practices, design and delivery of curriculum, and schoolwide practices were rated as more influential than federal, state, and…

Social studies research has told us very little in the past 30 years. There are several reasons for this state of affairs in social studies. First, inferential statistics has become much too prominent in research thinking and practice. Replication should be used by researchers to build a useful body of knowledge. A second reason for lack of…

The validity of classroom research literature, centering on content, methodology, and audience, and the appraisal process for teachers are examined. Those engaged in classroom observation should be aware of the limitations of research. The concept of action research provides an alternative to the study of teachers and classrooms that recognizes…

The Program of Research and Evaluation for Public Schools (PREPS) model is unique because all research and evaluation activities are conceived, conducted, and controlled by the local public schools, members of the consortium. It is a delivery system designed to improve school effectiveness. PREPS was developed as a result of the demand for school…

School climate is an elusive but powerful concept that has captured the attention of both researchers and practitioners, but choosing an instrument to assess climate can be very complicated. This monograph accordingly discusses four basic issues that should be considered prior to selecting an instrument to measure school climate: purpose, choice…

After several lengthy evaluations of California's Early Childhood Education (ECE) program proved inadequate, unhappy legislators and educators finally found satisfaction in a brief, mimeographed report. Several factors were responsible for the success of this new evaluation, the "Interim Report on the Special Study of Selected ECE Schools…

Describes the first phase of an effective schools project in six urban elementary schools. Provides monthly reports on the first year of this multiyear effort that has focused on familiarizing school personnel with the literature on school improvement and encouraging them to put it into practice. (RDN)

Examines factors influencing research-practice gaps in the assessment and treatment of adults with neurologic communication disorders. Both researchers and clinicians are urged to learn alternative research strategies, build partnerships, and take advantage of new information technologies. Strategies are suggested for directly applying, adapting,…

This book is designed to provide knowledge about educational research and to help graduate students in education organize and conduct their own research. No prior familiarity with the principles, procedures, or terminology of educational research is required. Chapters are: (1) "Educational Research: Its Nature and Rules of Operation"; (2) "Types…