Nearly every high-priority item in national, federal, state, and local discussions about education--and policy proposals across the political spectrum--requires high-quality longitudinal data to inform its design, implementation, and evaluation. This factsheet shares Data Quality Campaign's (DQC's) analysis of what "Data for Action 2011:…

In July of 1986, the Legislative Budget Board requested that the Texas Department of Human Services (DHS) provide information concerning the number of absences in DHS-paid child day care during fiscal year 1985, and the costs associated with the absences. To fulfill this request, DHS conducted a study to (1) identify by provider type the numbers…

An analysis of staff development practices in Texas during the year 1975-76 is provided, and four principles of effective inservice education (planning, situational design, content, and support) are outlined. The summary of findings is based on data from three unpublished dissertations, which had compiled data gathered via questionnaire from…

Results of writing tests given to a large sample of 9, 13, and 17-year olds throughout Texas are reported in detail. Results are reported in terms of the percent of students writing at stated levels of competency or exhibiting particular writing skills. The results are reported for eight categories: (1) statewide; (2) 20 state geographic regions;…

This report presents preliminary findings of a 5-year study evaluating the effectiveness of state-funded prekindergarten programs in Texas. The two components of the study included in this report are (1) a statewide survey of 507 school districts, focusing on prekindergarten program characteristics, implementation, and parents' perceptions of the…

Data in this report were derived from the 1991 annual reports submitted by public libraries in Texas and reflect each library's local fiscal year. The report begins with general information about the Texas State library system, including addresses of agencies and names of administrative personnel. A directory of public libraries and branches is…

A statewide evaluation of compensatory education programs was initiated during the 1985-86 school year to identify effective compensatory education practices. This final report summarizes study background, strategies, and findings through Phase III (1988-89) of the study. Recommendations are made for effective compensatory education programs in…

Requirements analysis and design for the Texas Criminal Justice Telecommunications Network are provided in this report on the application in the state of Texas of techniques developed by the STACOM project. These techniques focus on identification of user requirements and network designs for criminal justice information on a state-wide basis.…

This two-part report describes various strategies for involving the private sector in job training programs and summarizes a study conducted with prime sponsors of Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA) programs in Texas. Included in a discussion of involving the private sector in job training programs are the following topics: the new…

Findings are summarized from the statewide assessment of Texas students' achievement in mathematics, reading, citizenship awareness, and writing skills. For reading and mathematics achievement, criterion-referenced tests were developed. Test items from exercises developed by the National Assessment of Educational Programs (NAEP) were used to…

This report focuses on the responses given by 1,531 black high school students interviewed in 11 school districts throughout the State of Texas. It also reports on interviews conducted with a sample of black graduates, dropouts, and parents, school personnel, community people, and employers. Part 1 includes background material. The findings of a…

Citizenship test items developed by the National Assessment of Educational Progress were administered to a large sample of 9, 13, and 17-year old students, as part of the Texas Assessment Project. The knowledge and attitudes assessed fell into three categories: (1) political knowledge: constitutional rights, governmental structure, governmental…

This report is intended to serve as a handbook for persons concerned about analyzing the statewide need for new or additional services to young children and their families, and for those interested in developing a data base on which to base decisions. The first part of the report, an update of a report originally published in 1973, outlines the…

Compensatory education describes the special programs and services provided to students who are not succeeding in school and who do not qualify for special education. Educators define these students as "at risk"--at risk of school failure and a difficult transition to productive adult life. A recent study of compensatory education by the…

A project was undertaken to identify, develop, and test the effectiveness of a limited number of self-contained, individual learning modules about consumer topics that are especially appropriate to a variety of industrial arts courses given in secondary schools in Texas. Included among the project activities were the following: (1) identification…