This research empirically evaluates data sets from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) for design effects of ignoring the sampling design in weighted two-level analyses. Currently, researchers may ignore the sampling design beyond the levels that they model which might result in incorrect inferences regarding hypotheses due to…

This manual describes a comprehensive system of procedures or a model constructed for the purpose of improving occupational student follow-up in California community colleges. The manual deals with such pragmatic research considerations as conceptualization of research design, sampling, questionnaire content, suggestions for data processing, and…

The Student Accountability Model (SAM) was developed by a consortium of 12 members, to provide a system of procedures for identifying and describing California community college occupational students and for obtaining information about them after they leave college. The two components of the model are the Student Accounting Component…

Exemplary adaptations of the California Community Colleges' Student Accountability Model (SAM) are presented, based upon interviews with administrators at 37 colleges or districts known to have implemented SAM practices. After a description of SAM (a set of procedures for the follow-up of occupational students), the report examines the criteria by…

Activities involved in the collection and assembling of data for computer processing from the first followup survey of the National Longitudinal Study of the High School Class of 1972 (NLS) are briefly described. Included are an overview of the NLS; the sample design and survey participation; the development of the first followup survey…