The American Rescue Plan Act has made funds available to states and districts to speed up recovery from the effects of COVID-19, including addressing learning loss. The Wallace Foundation has distilled evidence from its work that may be helpful in informing choices about how to spend those funds, as well as how to implement key strategies.…

Ways in which qualitative methods are viewed relative to evaluation research are described. Topics include: the changing climate in evaluation research and its philosopical/conceptual background; actual evaluation efforts; data gathering techniques; and how to comprehend these data. (Author/GK)

The first half of this paper concentrates on the need for the institution of evaluation methods which stress the systematic use of both quantitative techniques and qualitative, direct observation methods. In this way, a more comprehensive picture of the events under consideration may be presented, and changes in student learning and behavior may…

From all indications, meditation is being used more and more by psychotherapists and counselors in their practices. Research has not to date produced empirical guidelines for the therapeutic use of meditation. This report compiles clinical and research data to provide a step toward a systematized approach to the utilization of meditation so as to…

This document deals with a common problem: the fact that "needs assessment" is often required by law and regulation, but there is little agreement on what the term means or what the process entails. The uses and definitions of the term "needs assessment" are examined and categorized along with the various methodologies which are ascribed to it.…

Designed for persons with no prior knowledge of statistics, this continuing education course syllabus presents basic information on methods of data collection and analysis in libraries. It is noted that emphasis is placed on concepts rather than mathematical formulas and on reasons for using particular techniques. Topics covered include problem…

One of a series on library services to disadvantaged adults, this guide gives a three step plan for assessing community information needs. Seven methods of information gathering are described, and the important factors to be considered in interpreting the information are outlined. A pre-planning information form, a sample questionnaire for agency…

An overview of self-monitoring and an extensive bibliography on the topic is presented. Self-monitoring involves systematic self-observation followed by self-recording. There is substantial evidence that self-monitoring has utility as an assessment procedure and as a behavior modification technique. Self-monitoring also has several assets in terms…

Statistics tend to become interesting to non-methodologists when taught in a research context that is relevant to them. Real data sets supplemented by sufficient background information can provide just such a context. Despite this, many textbook authors and instructors of applied statistics rely on artificial data sets to illustrate statistical…

Lists eight journal articles written by Charles Bunge that address the measurement of library reference effectiveness. Topics include determining goals; gathering data to determine effectiveness through user satisfaction; assessing reference output; costs and benefits; interpreting data; and the use of computerized forms to gather data. (LRW)

This annotated bibliography lists publications of interest to curriculum researchers. It includes publications related to ways of speeding up the data collection and analysis phase of curriculum development as well as some publications relating to quantitative analysis methods. Papers, manuals, guides, workshop materials, learning modules,…

The purpose of this guide is to help teachers and elementary principals create kindergarten environments designed to meet children's developmental needs. Section 1 describes the physical, social, emotional, and intellectual characteristics of kindergartners. Section 2 discusses the recruiting and enrolling of students; the parent handbook; home…

Diversion projects in California (Los Angeles and Orange Counties) were monitored using client tracking, a simple and basic evaluation procedure. Client tracking was used to provide information about three points in the diversion process: referral to the project, service delivery, and the outcome of the diversion services. The data provided an…

This guide presents an introduction to the basics about data collection and discusses the uses of data in daily work. The emphasis is on youth programs in Indiana, but the information is useful for programs in other states. Ways in which program planners and advocacy activists can use data are described, and local, state, and national resources…

This document presents papers prepared for a conference of higher education researchers, policy analysts, practitioners, and administrators. The conference centered around whether a new, broader conceptualization of access to postsecondary education is required, and what such an expanded definition of access would mean in terms of policy,…