Two data collection activities focused on improvement in the identification of giftedness among Australian aboriginal children. Interviews with urban aboriginal community members were followed by a survey of aboriginal teachers in Queensland. Findings resulted in the modification of Frasier's model of identifying gifted minority and disadvantaged…

Examines issues involved in collecting observational data and conducting a functional analysis of student problem behavior directly in the elementary classroom. Two cases of children with behavior disorders in special classes illustrate the active role that teachers can take in data collection and decision making prior to program changes.…

Analyzes a data set of music education in the maintained schools of England to (1) establish an authoritative national picture and (2) determine effective school-specific strategies that could be replicated. Focuses on music participation from age 14, when music is no longer part of the National Curriculum. (CMK)

In the Philadelphia Public Schools, a computer system called Data to Success has been created to assess student progress prior to end-of-year testing. The five-stage system allows a school to influence teacher decisions, identify student warning signs, and monitor important trend and analysis information throughout the school year. (MLH)

Addresses effects of reporting bias on spouses' answers to questions by comparing one-partner and couple data on marital violence. Results indicate significant underreporting of violence, and that some predictors of violence are significantly related to underreporting by one spouse. (JPS)

Argues that early French relative clauses (RCs) with gaps involve movement of the relative head. The article suggests that children lack relative operators for maturational reasons. This account shows that the deviation of early RCs from adult grammar is due to this lacuna and is compensated for in a manner consistent with Universal Grammar. (39…

This article describes the history of New York's efforts to create partnerships with families with children with emotional disturbances, articulates the stages of parent involvement in policymaking, and summarizes lessons learned and recommendations for effective and enduring families as policy allies. A case study is presented. (Contains…

Discusses state's use of web-based central facilities databases and software to efficiently address capital renewal projects. How to collect data to support the decision process for capital renewal requests is addressed. (GR)

A survey of 15 developers of computerized real-time observation systems found many systems have incorporated laptop or handheld computers as well as bar-code scanners. Most systems used IBM-compatible software, and ranged from free to complete systems costing more than $1,500. Data analysis programs were included with most programs. (Author/CR)

Describes a general research framework applicable to any mode of distance education. Using interactive-television-based classrooms as an example, illustrates the use of the framework along with relevant theories to develop research propositions. Reports exploratory evidence based on personal experiences, interviews with students and professors,…

Describes how latex-based creatures are made and used to explore various topics in inquiry-based middle school science. Provides a variety of sample data and includes sections on safety concerns and chemistry notes for the teacher. (DDR)

Provides details on the instrument development, sample design, data collection, and data analysis procedures of the 1996 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) long-term trend and main assessments for the United States. (Author/SLD)

Examines common assumptions about the rationality or irrationality of organizational behavior and finds that decision making occurs in a complex context that successful college/university institutional research offices must recognize and work with. Finds that emerging organizational theories suggest there are limitations on the use of data and…

Presents a strategy for using output measures to make a case for a flexible school media center schedule. Highlights include gathering the data; doing the calculations; and avoiding misinterpretation of the figures. A sidebar describes a step-by-step strategy for presenting a convincing case. Two sample charts are included. (AEF)

Describes "Studying Children in Context" as a reader- friendly book that situates studying children within the process of conducting qualitative research. Notes strengths including discussion of ethics and methods of data generation and organization, and inclusion of case studies that illuminate researchers' struggles. Notes limitations…