This booklet offers guidance for increasing the dissemination and utilization of information (especially federally funded disability research) through development of user-friendly materials and alternate formats. Individual sections address: the distinction between alternate formats and accessibility, suggested policies to help define approaches…

Followup studies of former students provide important information for higher education institutions. Careful planning, early involvement of users of the information, and multiple data presentation strategies are some keys to success for such studies. (MSE)

The results of student outcomes studies are of little value if they are not used in institutional planning and decision-making. Use of results can be made more effective if researchers understand the obstacles to information use on most campuses and tailor their presentations to overcome them. (Author/MSE)

Institutional development research officers are problem solvers who can take a kernel of information about individuals and create a profile of their lifestyle and finances that provides fund raisers with a beginning point for contact. In turn, fund raisers in the field often can provide researchers with new information for profiling. Program…

This historical paper focuses on improving the dissemination of research results to persons with disabilities and their families. It discusses how to determine the nature and form of the information to be disseminated, as well as the methods for reaching intended audiences. Recommended state-of-the-art methods of dissemination for making research…

One of a series of instructional booklets designed to introduce adult education program planners to the basic concepts integral to and alternative strategies for conducting needs assessments, this instructional booklet deals with determining how to interpret information. Described first is the relationship of the process of determining how to…

Designed for language teachers who find reading statistical research difficult but necessary, this article focuses on the minimal knowledge needed about statistical techniques for interpreting research findings. It first examines the statistical reasoning underlying quantitative, empirical studies, including normal distribution, standard…

Use of student focus groups to help shape college and university student recruitment efforts is examined, illustrated with the experiences of a variety of institutions. Benefits and limitations of the approach are noted, specific techniques for maximizing the groups' effectiveness are suggested, and uses of the resulting information are discussed.…

College public relations officers are urged to incorporate regular and systematic evaluation into program administration. The process of planning public relations activities would include qualitative research to identify issues; audience-specific surveys to gauge attitudes; action to accomplish objectives; and measurement of that action's…

This handbook outlines procedures for evaluating a school guidance program. Defined first are the concept of guidance evaluation and basic terms in guidance evaluation. The purpose of guidance evaluation is discussed. Covered in a description of problems and difficulties in doing guidance evaluation are general problems; problems relating to…

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 handbook is designed to help state and local vocational education evaluators and persons using evaluation results by presenting strategies and procedures for improved use of vocational education evaluation results. It is divided into five sections, followed by a glossary and annotated bibliographies. Chapter 1 contains an overview of the…

Educational dissemination is a way to foster changes in educational practice. Peer interaction is a special type of dissemination in which people with certain roles and responsibilities help others with the same or similar roles and responsibilities. This involves teachers helping teachers, principals helping principals, business representatives…

Ways that higher education institutions can improve their compliance procedures in responding to external requests for reports and information are addressed. Institutional officers must first determine how the data will be used by the external agency. By questioning how the requested information will be used, a determination can be made of what…

College and university institutional researchers can use unemployment insurance wage and related files to describe and compare students' workplace status before, during, and after enrollment. However, some issues must be addressed, including data delays, uncovered employment and other work status, confidentiality of records, information…