Purpose: The purposes of this paper are to provide a description of AI and to document and compare two applications of AI, one in program evaluation and another in an applied research study. Design/methodology/approach: Focus groups, interviews and observations were used to gather rich qualitative data which was used to detail Appreciative…

As scientific models of student thinking, learning progressions (LPs) have been evaluated in terms of one important, but limited, criterion: fit to empirical data. We argue that LPs are not empirically adequate, largely because they rely on problematic assumptions of theory-like coherence in students' thinking. Through an empirical investigation…

Middle school is an important phase in the academic trajectory, which plays a major role in the path to successful post-secondary outcomes such as going to college. Despite this, research on factors leading to college-going choices do not yet utilize the extensive fine-grained data now becoming available on middle school learning and engagement.…

As advanced placement (AP) teachers strive to implement the changes outlined in the AP chemistry redesign, they will have the opportunity to reflect on and evaluate their current practices. For many AP teachers, the new focus on conceptual understanding, reasoning, inquiry, and critical thinking over memorization and algorithmic problem solving…

In this paper, we present a microanalysis of a specialized STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) high school teacher's experience of self-initiated science inquiry curriculum reform. We examine the meanings of these two constructs: "inquiry curriculum" and "curriculum change" through the process lens of interactions, actions,…

Students should have exposure to social justice education (SJE) through the content-based curriculum or through cocurricular learning opportunities. This program evaluation study used qualitative data collection and analysis procedures to determine how to best improve the cocurricular SJE program, Lead for Diversity (LFD), which is used in high…

One-fourth of all ninth graders in the United States will not graduate from high school within four years, despite the fact that the 21st Century workplace requires more advanced knowledge and skills than ever before. Recognizing the need for a comprehensive strategy to keep teens in school and ensure that they graduate prepared for the future,…

In this paper we interrelate different theories of identity and describe how various social contexts and cognitive motives influence the process of identity change. We consider two competing theories about the linkage of contexts with motives for identity change: the effect of category traits, based on social identity theory, and the effect of…

A PROJECT WAS DESCRIBED THAT WOULD USE SYSTEMS ANALYSIS AND COMPUTER SIMULATION TECHNIQUES TO FIND NEW WAYS TO IMPLEMENT INSTRUCTIONAL MEDIA. THE FOUR MAJOR STEPS TO BE TAKEN FOR THIS STUDY ARE--(1) SURVEY AND SELECTION OF HIGH SCHOOLS, (2) SYSTEM ANALYSIS OF THE FIVE HIGH SCHOOLS SELECTED FOR STUDY, (3) CONSTRUCTION OF A COMPUTER-SIMULATION…

In order to explore whether or not the same theoretical model of schooling is appropriate in both private and public schools, the model from the High School and Beyond study was examined. Results indicated that the model was equally applicable in both schools. Differences between schools were discussed. (Author/GDC)

City-as-School (CAS), founded in 1972, is a New York City alternative high school with a mission to link students to learning experiences outside the classroom. Since the 1985-86 school year, CAS has received federal funds for the CAS Replication Project, the goal of which is to promote and facilitate the adoption of the CAS model by other sites.…

Lehigh University's Clipper Project collected data on the short- and long-term effects of offering five Web-based, college-level introductory courses to early-decision, non-matriculated high school seniors for 1) the students who participated; 2) the faculty who developed the courses and taught them online; and 3) the institution that offered…

The final report reviews a public service administration internship program for 33 gifted and talented Montgomery County (Maryland) high school juniors and seniors. Learner and process objectives, minor changes, and the dissemination plan are presented for the program which utilizes the internship model developed by Executive High School…

This workshop was organized to acquaint State and local officials concerned with distributive education and planning, programing, and budgeting techniques. The workshop was designed to (1) develop an understanding and appreciation for systematic planning and programing techniques, (2) develop an understanding of the social and economic problems…

This guide is designed to assist state and local consortia with their evaluation of Tech Prep education programs and with their reporting of Tech Prep program and student outcomes data to meet the accountability requirements of the Perkins Act of 1998. Intended for Tech Prep stakeholders in secondary schools and two-year colleges, the guide also…