Educational researchers and practitioners have paid considerable attention to the use of multiuser virtual environments (MUVEs) in recent years in order to support learning across curricula. Among MUVEs, Second Life (SL) is one of the most popular environments, with over 18 million account-registered users as of May 2008. This paper reports a…

The goal of this study was to develop a means for better assessing the potential success of a regional interlibrary loan program. Descriptive information and qualitative data on funding, policies, and procedures were gathered for five regional interlibrary loan programs in New York State from three sources-- questionnaires sent to each member…

School personnel and university researchers can cooperate more effectively if research is linked to classroom outcomes. Collaborative research benefits schools, universities, and communities by aiding decisions about programs and resource allocations. (JW)

As part of its contract to develop a framework for continuous school improvement in its four-state region (Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia), Appalachia Educational Laboratory staff designed the Quest project. Based upon principles of inquiry, collaboration, and action research, Quest supports and investigates ongoing school…

A framework for the evaluation of proposals for the development of human services programs considering student needs and other educational factors is presented. Five program variables and five environmental variables are examined in a sample matrix. Suggestions for practical use of the matrix are also offered. (Author/CJ)

Examines the outcomes of dual enrollment as a means of acceleration in the Community College System and the State University System in Florida. Concludes that such programs are effective only if students are able to successfully progress to a subsequent course in series of courses. (NB)

Inherent in the philosophy behind community outreach partnership center (COPC) programs and university-community collaboration is flexibility in instituting models, strategies, and solutions for those partnerships. However, evaluating collaborative efforts is difficult because each project differs according to needs, resources, and goals. One…

Evaluation of programs for families continues to grow in importance. The best evaluation studies involve collaborations between evaluation researchers and practitioners, but the two groups represent different cultures. This article provides eight suggested steps to improve collaboration through the determination of shared goals, clarification of…

Many communities offer programs aimed at improving teen dating skills and knowledge about violence and sexual behavior. This research study evaluates one such program, operated by an interagency collaborative. Each of four participating community agencies provided one hour of curriculum during one week of health class. Lecture, group activities,…

A recent evaluation of a students-as-researchers project in Brisbane, Australia found that the use of participatory action research offers a means by which marginalised students, teachers, and university researchers can work collaboratively towards positive outcomes for the participants and their schools. In discussing the relevant theory and the…

The documents enclosed in this report provide a comprehensive and systematic review of the progress made in developing a network organization capable of supporting nanoscience education for the public on a national scale. There is a logic to the studies that were done and to the reports that are included in this notebook. The following are the…

This monograph was written to motivate and provide initial orientation for community leaders who are committed to seeing that comprehensive career guidance programs are established to serve the career planning and development needs of all citizens. The monograph is divided into two parts. Part A, containing four chapters, gives suggestions for how…

This fact sheet summarizes data gathered in the 2007 annual survey for the National Science Foundation's (NSF) Advanced Technological Education (ATE) program. This was the eighth annual survey of ATE projects and centers conducted by The Evaluation Center at Western Michigan University. Included here are statistics about the program's grantees and…

The objective of a collaborative program entitled Professional Alternative Consortium for Teachers (PACT) is to provide significant contributions to teacher preparation and induction programs as well as to provide a professional alternative for support teachers. The PACT program is a collaboration between the Jefferson County Public Schools…

A cooperative program to improve education in the public schools involving the combined resources of the state department of education, a state university, and the local school districts is described. This Professional Development Center Network (PDC) conducts research to produce decision-making information to upgrade inservice programs in the…