A study of the effect of reading a recent clinical study on pediatricians', pediatric residents', and family practitioners' decisions concerning treatment of a common, potentially serious problem revealed a considerable influence but physician difficulty in using probability data and reliance on intuition rather than calculation. (MSE)

Reviews sociologists' dilemma of seeking to reconcile knowledge requirements of specific social problems and those of scientific theory building and testing. Indicates that rural sociological research has become more sophisticated in method but less concerned with social utility. (LFL)

A survey of institutions concerning their reporting of data on the Higher Education General Information Survey and specifically examining the differences in definitions and calculations among reporting institutions, confirmed suspected problems of comparability of information. The impact of these differences on data interpretation is discussed.…

Deals with research at the Institute for Educational Research (Jyvaskyla, Finland) during the 1970s and compare it with other educational research in Finland during the period. Emphasis of institute activity was on primary education, with a considerable amount of research on higher education. Future research needs are noted. (MH)

The School Improvement Project demonstrates that when schools rigorously implement activities that address the five "Edmonds Factors," gains in student achievement and staff attitudes can be made. These factors are (1) strong administrative leadership; (2) emphasis on basic skills; (3) an orderly school climate; (4) ongoing student…

Educational policy climate of the 1980s is being shaped not by educational research but by appeals to public opinion that emphasize standardized achievements, local classrooms, heightened yet vague requirements of teachers, technological solutions to educational problems, and private school methods. (JW)

The purpose of this document is to twofold: First, it serves to summarize and record the content and comments from the presentations and breakout sessions during the Northeastern States NCLB/IDEA Invitational State Leadership Forum: Joining Forces: High Achievement For Each and Every Student, September 27-28, 2005. Secondly, it hopes to capture…

This final report discusses the activities and outcomes of a project designed to investigate the sustainability of two federally funded intervention programs by school staff. The first, Eastlake High School Inclusion Program, implemented processes and instructional interventions designed to support the full inclusion of students with disabilities…

This document contains two issues of a journal on reducing youth gun violence, reprinted from a report by the U.S. Department of Justice. The first issue, part one, provides an overview of programs and initiatives. The second issue, part two, describes prevention and intervention programs. To reduce violence and build healthy communities requires…

These three newsletters focus on advances and challenges in disability research. The first issue focuses on the results of a survey that investigated how many consumers with disabilities had a computer available in their home and their Internet use. The study involved administrators of Independent Living Centers (ILC) and ILC consumers. Findings…

This digest explains five homework strategies appropriate for use with students who have disabilities and which are supported by research. These strategies are: (1) give clear and appropriate assignments (specific tips from both teachers and students are offered); (2) make homework accommodations (eight common accommodations are listed); (3) teach…

This study aimed to describe, compare, and analyze the use of specific types of data utilized in decision-making by administrators of more and less effective community colleges. The study utilized a modified version of Kim Cameron's "Assessment of Organizational Effectiveness on Higher Education" to measure and rank community college…

Three kinds of educational research--scientific, analytic, and interpretive--are examined, and the type of inservice activity most closely related to each is discussed. Effective teaching is defined in terms of a direct instructional model for delivering skills to students. Inservice can improve teacher effectiveness by modifying teacher behavior.…

Discusses the functions of the educational psychologist in improving classroom instruction, including assessment, dissemination of research findings, conducting applied research, evaluation, and systems analysis. Summarizes some important educational research findings and dimensions of systems analysis evaluation. (RC)

Studies the changes taking place in the way social work is developing and using knowledge for practice. Explores how the profession has moved toward scientifically or empirically based practice. Points out new forms of knowledge already available practitioner. (Author/JAC)