Principals and others involved in strategic or operational planning decisions need a data collection process with a systematic internal and external scanning structure. Internal data originate from students, school climate, finance, and human resource variables. External data include demography, government finance and budgetary allocations,…

Contends that, in developing countries, attention must be paid to the quality of data going into computer-based information management systems; otherwise implementation of the system may provide only a deceptively systematic procedure for making random decisions. Examines errors, assumptions, inabilities, and omissions that threaten data quality…

The survey of 57 teachers with training and experience in data collection and education of students with severe disabilities found that respondents did collect data frequently but did not agree on how to utilize the data for instructional decision making. (Author/DB)

Investigated the multiple uses of national databanks and surveys among a large sample of college counseling centers who were members of AUCCCD (Association of University and College Counseling Center Directors). Results both confirm and expand upon anecdotal statements about usage of survey data. (Author)

Surveys the service marketing literature for models and data-gathering instruments measuring service quality, particularly the instruments SERVQUAL and SERVPERF, and assesses their applicability to special libraries and information centers. Topics include service characteristics and definitions of service; performance-minus-expectations and…

This study, involving five college students observing behavior of individuals with mental retardation, found that interobserver agreement was better in the presence of certain stimuli (such as when the subject's peers were present versus when they were not). Of 10 additional variables thought to potentially affect agreement scores, 1 (can't see,…

Provides measurement, estimation, and data analysis activities for grades three to four and five to six using boxes of cereal and containers of frozen yogurt. (MKR)

The more that students see themselves in everyday situations that involve mathematics, the more likely they are to be successful. Incorporating names, ages, and other personal data into mathematical activities is easy and fun. (MKR)

Presents an activity to help students overcome mathematics anxiety by collecting and organizing data through summarization and graphic representation. (MKR)

Studies the application of the Experience Sampling Method (ESM) to chronically aggressive psychiatric inpatients. ESM allows for the sampling of behavior, thoughts, and feelings of persons across time and situations by signalling subjects to record these aspects using a questionnaire at random times. (JPS)

Found estimated overall dropout rate of 31 percent and a transfer rate of 30 percent among Navajo students. Lack of comparable data across schools and districts made determination of the actual dropout rate very difficult. Concludes that the dropout phenomenon is complex, multicausal, and can only be helped with an approach that brings together…

A Colorado elementary school began its Total Quality Management work about a year ago after several staff members participated in an IBM Leadership Training Program addressing applications of Deming's theories. The school's new writing assessment has increased collegiality and cross-grade collaboration. (MLH)

Describes the data collection guidelines developed by the World Health Organization's Global Program on acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). The guidelines apply anthropological methods of observation and interviews to the information on AIDS-related beliefs and behavior. (JOW)

Undergraduate consumer affairs students developed research skills by conducting a study of the prices in a market basket of food in neighborhoods of various income levels. (SK)

Sees aging and health care as emerging policy issues in Third World. Discusses rationale for principal features of emerging new international survey design which includes integration of younger and older families; reliance on retrospective data; intensive measurement of economic status, health outcomes, and utilization and intergenerational…