A basic methodological approach in developmental studies is the collection of longitudinal data. Behavioral data cen take at least two forms, qualitative (or discrete) and quantitative. Both types are fallible. Measurement errors can occur in quantitative data and measures of these are based on error variance. Qualitative or discrete data can…

The evaluations of the Summer Program and Phase II of Project C.H.I.L.D. are provided in this final report of the project. The objectives of the project were to: (1) improve the behavior of preschool children enrolled in the project; (2) increase the ability of teachers and parents to objectively evaluate the status and growth of children; (3)…

Beginning with the 1970-1971 school year, the School Community Agents program underwent a major restructuring of its functions and purposes so that operations would more closely conform to ESEA Title I guidelines. Agent role functions have been coordinated toward raising the academic level of students, using two major innovations. These two…

The concept, focus, operation, and benefits of Florida's data-based, locally directed vocational education evaluation program is described. (BM)

As a condition of receiving federal funding for elementary and secondary education programs, states each year provide vast amounts of data to Education. While the need for information that informs evaluation is important (particularly with the No Child Left Behind Act), Education's data gathering has heretofore presented some problems. It has been…

In recent years, researchers have argued that the shortage of highly qualified teachers in poor school districts may have less to do with attracting new teachers than with retaining them. To provide the scientific evidence that will support sound decisions about teacher induction, Mathematica is examining whether high-intensity teacher induction…

This paper provides an overview of the data collection, analysis, and reporting system of the British Columbia Ministry of Education, a system that is intended to improve the results obtained by the school system. The background of the system is described, and how it is used to assist in school improvement is outlined. The system's success to date…

The Judicial Evaluation Method (JEM) is useful for aiding decision-making bodies to formulate policies. Broad public participation in complex issues is provided by JEM. (The conceptualization, policy formulation stages, and participant roles are identified; and the model is applied in two case studies). (MH)

Describes a series of 16 longitudinal studies conducted by Utah State University on alternative early intervention programs for disabled children, focusing on the intensity of intervention, the age intervention begins, and parent involvement. Reviews factors that gave rise to the studies, research designs and procedures, and data interpretation.…

The evaluation of the 1984-95 occupational employment projections can determine the reliability of information based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) track record and enable BLS to improve the accuracy of its subsequent projections. (JOW)

Examined six published papers using a theory-based evaluation (TBE) approach. Found that authors of the papers did not always make explicit the relation of their data to the theory of the program. Identified some ways in which TBE contributed to the merit of the evaluation. Outlines lessons for the future of TBE. (SLD)

What constitutes quality in early childhood settings, and how can it best be measured with today's widely used tools and promising new approaches? Find authoritative answers in this book, a must-have for high-level administrators and policymakers as more and more states adopt early childhood Quality Rating and Improvement Systems. The most…

GENESYS is a GENeric Evaluation SYStem for data collection and evaluation through computer technology. GENESYS gathers and reports the standard information (student characteristics, achievement, attendance, discipline, grades/credits, dropouts, and retainees) for specific groups of students. In the Austin (Texas) Independent School District's…

The purpose of this report by a panel of school finance specialists appointed by the governor to guide a budget study in New York State is to summarize studies on the existing apportionment system of public school aid and to suggest short-term steps for improving the equity of the present system. Parts 1 and 2 discuss the present operating aid…

This paper focuses on the mechanics of assessing the impact of educational technology. The basics of program evaluation, research design, data collection and analysis, and report generation are covered to provide useful information to those responsible for program evaluation research and to decision makers, who are the usual recipients of…