Discusses the experiential activities that are used in a graduate course on qualitative research that addresses focus groups, observation, data collection, cultural sensitivity, ethnomethodology, data analysis, and morals and ethics in research. Explains that students participate in an activity in which they defend qualitative research. (CMK)

To examine the perceptions of families in the early childhood special education literature, four popular journals were reviewed, and 93 1996-1997 articles were identified for further study. Results found a lack of emphasis on the family and the family's role in the delivery of early intervention services. (Contains references.) (CR)

Discusses the role of the Data on Vocational Education (DOVE) system in planning for policy formation in vocational education. DOVE's strengths lie in providing information on national trends in enrollment and course taking and in drawing on longitudinal data that allow rigorous analysis of impacts of vocational education. (SLD)

Explores what an emphasis on reading as social practice can tell us about the nature of reading. The article maintains that what counts as a "proper" reading of the text is highly constrained by the classroom context and that classrooms should be discourse sites where specific ways of reading are required and particular regimes of…

Presents a methodology for analyzing patterns of usage of a Web-based library catalog and evaluates the methodology with data collected from the transaction logs of the Web interface version of the University of California's Melvyl Systemwide Library Catalog. Results revealed major differences in usage (number of searches, search time, number of…

Five criteria are proposed for evaluating performance in research studies: the directness of sampling, the responsiveness of the target, the reliability of the observers, the frequent assessment of the target during the intervention period, and the critical nature of the target. A case study illustrates effectiveness of the criteria. (Author/CR)

Presents a model to help schools pose and answer data-based questions about teaching and learning, describing different types of data that educators can use to piece together pictures of their schools (e.g., student learning statistics, demographic data, and school process data) and discussing how educators can cross data from different categories…

Analyzes data on 199 boundary-crossing articles published in sociology and political science journals over a 20-year period. Results suggest that disciplinary boundaries are less restrictive than the literature suggests, and that boundary-crossing publications are involved in complex patterns of interdisciplinary information transfer. (AEF)

Investigates the effects of a support group for middle school parentally bereaved children on self-esteem, depression, and problem behavior as well as self-beliefs about abilities to cope with loss. Solomon four group design was used with data analysis by using two way analysis of variance to determine the effect of intervention. No statistically…

Discusses intermediate results in a long-term project intended to develop a measurement scale based on users' relevance criteria. Based on results of five tests involving 350 users, this paper describes the development process in terms of modifications to instrument content and design, variations of techniques for data collection and analysis,…

Describes the benefits of using calculator-based laboratory equipment in science classes. (WRM)

This study evaluated a comprehensive transition model for students with disabilities known as TASSEL (Teaching All Students Skills for Employment and Life) in two North Carolina school systems. Analysis of social validity data and student outcome data for 76 students found that consumers were satisfied with TASSEL transition services and student…

Western Kentucky University Libraries developed a survey similar to its Web-based library satisfaction survey, with identical content for library Web and exit patrons to compare these groups' responses. Focuses on the collection of Web and exit survey responses in a two-week period, transformation of response data for analysis, comparison of the…

Provides information on Census 2000, focusing on the process and data of the census. Addresses Census 2000 questionnaires, the new aspects of Census 2000, the content and geography, data products, and dissemination of the data. Includes a step-by-step description of Census 2000. (CMK)

Details process of determining a child welfare agency's actual dollar costs directly attributed to protective services staff turnover, using the agency's human resources database and interviews with administrative personnel. Provides formulas and process for calculating specific cost elements due to employee separation, replacement, and training.…