The use of relevant data is at the core of the school review process approach. Various forms of relevant data are gathered, including demographic data, student achievement data, community perception data, and data on the current program (e.g., curriculum, instructional strategies, school climate factors, etc.). Perception questionnaires are…

During the first 8 months of 1982, Independent School District 196 (Rosemount, Minnesota) planned, implemented, and reported on a telephone survey of the district's population to help schools develop the strategies, tactics, and vision necessary in an information society. With the exception of data processing, the survey was handled by district…

Attitude and opinion research requires considerable planning, careful design of survey procedures and sampling techniques, and practical ways of collecting, analyzing, and reporting results. The following suggestions are based on the extensive public opinion research conducted by the University of Alabama. (1) Decide what specific problem is to be…

As part of on-going research on rural public service provision, researchers illustrated the use of a methodologically rigorous tool (a "tradeoff game") for eliciting community preferences for municipal public services. The trade-off game allowed adults in 122 households in Erin Township, Wellington County, Ontario, to assess 13 currently…

This document consists of two guides that were developed to assist small rural communities in northern Alberta (Canada) in conducting surveys. A community survey can be used to develop long- and short-range plans, define and solve problems, establish priorities, confirm public opinion, develop community support and stimulate action, and reveal new…

A survey of 7,500 older women living within commuting distance of Northwestern University was conducted to find possible candidates for a baccalaureate degree who had thought about returning to school. Women who belonged to volunteer organizations were sent a questionnaire asking about their educational achievements, future plans, and perceptions…