Effective internal evaluation requires dependable data for decision makers. Influences on clinical and fiscal data dependability are discussed. The focus is on organizational influences, data quality control, and staff concerns. (Author/PN)

Conducted a content analysis of research articles (N=80) published in professional journals to assess the reliance on one family member for data to be generalized to the conjugal or family unit. Results showed that over time (1965-1978) there has been a continued reliance on individual family members for data. (JAC)

Describes a model project at Fort Hays State University in which college students gather basic research data from older adults during summer vacations in their hometowns. Examples of successful projects and constraints on the implementation of such a model are discussed. (JAC)

Characteristics of adult college students enrolled in identical open learning formats offered through a consortium in six states were compared. The findings are presented by a general descriptive data of student characteristics at the various universities for course offerings and chi-square test results. (Author/MLW)

Although it is perfectly responsible and permissible for scientists to disagree in interpretations about the meaning of a body of data, to suppress or cover up harmful effects data is highly unethical, irresponsible, and contrary to most canons of the scientific community. (Author/RK)

Declining test scores have been a major cause for concern in the past year. Describes the decline and explores some possible causes. (Editor/RK)

Article considered the problems inherent in data collection and information dissemination as a result of the development of computerized personal information systems. (Author/RK)

A participatory process by which a useful costing and data management system was developed at Chapman College is described. The system summarizes information on instructional workloads, class sizes, and the costs per student credit hour for academic programs. Costs incurred in other areas to support each program are included. (Editor/LBH)

The lack of statistical records in library administration is examined along with various reasons for the difficulty in measuring and recording the assorted contents and costs of a library. The need for some realistic benefit-and-cost analysis for information systems of various dimensions is noted. (LBH)

The sample classroom observation checklist enables educators to judge the level of implementation of an innovative program in a classroom and in a school. (IRT)

This "Technical Guide" describes the methodology and concepts used to measure and grade the performance of the 50 states in the higher education arena. Part I presents the methodology for grading states and provides information on data collection and reporting. Part II explains the indicators that comprise each of the graded categories.…

This report presents findings from case studies conducted during the 2003-04 school year, the second year that the supplemental services provisions of NCLB had been in effect. It follows up on baseline data collected the previous school year. This study conducted interviews in a purposive sample of six states and nine school districts, which were…

This report is a followup to an initiative to establish a central website to collect data from States on the National School Lunch and the School Breakfast Programs. A central website could be used by researchers and program administrators to compare and analyze data across State and local areas for participation trends in local school district…

This chapter discusses difficulties encountered in research on teaching and learning mathematics to illustrate a set of core problems with appropriate uses of video as data. Problems include: (1) processes of collecting video data and making selections from it are usually deleted from research accounts; (2) production values that are preserved in…

This "IssueTrak" discusses how saving energy and becoming energy efficient may significantly impact a school district's bottom line as well as simply being the right thing to do. There are many opportunities to conserve that can be implemented at little or no cost. To be successful, a school district must allow employees to gather data, analyze…