As evidence supporting the benefits of family involvement in learning mounts, there is an increasing demand for evaluation of family involvement initiatives and for additional research to inform practice and policy. Those designing and implementing family involvement programs must be responsive to calls to bolster the quality of the evidence base…

Data on which to base interinstitutional comparisons can be obtained directly from institutions or from a variety of secondary and tertiary sources such as national surveys, statistical publications, newsletters, directories, and organizations. Lists of these sources are included. (MSE)

The concepts of need and needs assessment are examined in the context of information needs for college administrators. A description is included of the conceptual framework underlying the Needs Assessment Information System (NAIS), which was developed by the National Center for Higher Education Management Systems. Attention is directed to: (1)…

This catalog is intended to serve as a guide to data gathered by the offices and bureaus at the central headquarters of the New York City Public Schools. Its purpose is to provide a comprehensive overview of the different kinds of information gathered on a regular basis, and should be viewed as a tool, which in association with the Metropolitan…

Receiving and Processing Information Directly (RAPID) is a directory designed to facilitate the identification of interstate migrant families. The directory contains instructions for using the RAPID notification form, a means of rapidly communicating intended destinations of migrant families. Use of the form is designed to help identify interstate…

Designed to make Duke University's collection of OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development) publications and data more readily accessible, this guide is divided into the following sections: Introduction to OECD and Its Publications; General References about OECD and Its Activities; Indexes and Other Sources for Accessing OECD…

Shifting to results-based accountability is a difficult stage in reforming family and children's services. Heretofore, these services have been more concerned with the number of clients seen or papers processed than in their clients' quality of life. This document should help communities find the data they need to measure qualitative outcomes. It…

Describes the situation at the Texas A and M University Library that led to the decision to provide demonstrations of CD-ROM databases outside of the library setting. The equipment requirements, microcomputer selection, and use of large screen projectors are discussed, and guidelines are provided for organizing a transportable demonstration…

This resource guide, one of seven related documents, contains suggestions and materials to help schools implement a six-step needs assessment process. The guide is divided into ten sections that cover alternative needs assessment systems, informing the community, felt needs instruments, sample preplan, data analysis tips, reporting results, causal…

This guide aims to facilitate research and policy analysis in rural education by linking substantive issues to the data sources of the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). The guide may be used in two ways: as a handy tool for scanning NCES data that are presented with immediately applicable issues; and to stimulate, with sample…

One of nine brief guides for special educators on using computer technology, this guide focuses on the use of computers to improve skills and attitudes in writing instruction. Pre-writing tools such as group brainstorming, story webs, free-writing, journal entries, and prewriting guides help generate ideas and can be carried out either on or off…

The first of two articles on multiuser access to CD-ROM databases examines options that do not involve a local area network (LAN). Hardware and software requirements, advantages, and disadvantages for several alternatives are described. A product and company directory is included. (MES)

This manual contains information about the contents of a database that provides information about efforts to match changing goals for student achievement to ideas about instruction. The database, available on disk, contains descriptive information on alternative assessments in science and mathematics. The database uses a broad definition of…

Presents five articles and a company resource directory to help librarians successfully incorporate technology into school libraries. Discusses actual situations, examines student needs, and gives advice to help librarians with library automation systems, videodiscs, library security systems, media retrieval, networking CD-ROMs, and locating…

This document consists of a compilation of information on various aspects of the Early Intervention Program for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities (Part C) of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act 1997 (IDEA). It collects a variety of resources that meet the information needs of state and jurisdictional Part C program staff, the…