This article analyzes outcome measures used in intervention research with young children with autism, including 72 reports evaluating specific intervention practices and 15 reports of complete intervention programs. Results indicate measurement of mediating variables is essentially absent in the evaluation reports and there is a lack of other…

This article proposes that research into special educational needs has to explore the meaning of the phrase "special needs" and the values that underpin this phrase. It concludes this process will entail the development of new forms of inquiry, new ways of working, and new ways of thinking about research. (Contains 2 references.) (Author/CR)

Economies of scale frequently have been advanced as a rationale for rural school consolidation. This article defines the economies of scale principle; describes its application to public education; and reviews selected studies, 1959-86, from a rural education perspective. Notes the possible overstatement of economics of scale in some studies.…

Presents the opening remarks and keynote addresses of a conference held in Toronto June 1-3, 1988. In the first address W. David Penniman presents a brief history of information technology and discusses issues of current concern. In the second, Jeffrey Katzer questions current assumptions underlying information science and discusses communications…

Addresses the role of art education research, postulating that an adequate research base is needed in order to make constructive decisions pertaining to art education. Discusses research trends, sociopolitical nature of research, suggestions for further research, and deficiencies in art education. (GG)

Discussion of research on computer-aided instruction (CAI) focuses on a set of questions and hypotheses that form the basis for research on the effectiveness of CAI. Four factors are highlighted: (1) the medium (including interactive videodisc); (2) the environment; (3) student characteristics; and (4) topic of instruction. (38 references) (LRW)

Describes issues which are common to all research methodologies and some that were unique to the assessment techniques used in the Child Development Project (CDP) in San Ramon, California. Looks at the limited amount of time given assessments and the "fluid" nature of measurements. Notes that CDP issues involved observations,…

Discussed are outcomes of a collaborative project between university researchers, teachers, and principals which sought to develop a unique approach to research-based staff development. Topics include elements of and limitations on collaboration, role dilemmas and contradictions, teacher concerns about researchers'"hidden agendas," and…

Design of a rating scale for pharmacy students' evaluation of instruction, differing from others in its incorporation of 10 dimensions of teaching unique to pharmacy education, is described. Two potential uses of the scale are use of the teaching dimensions in numerical scales, and scale use for providing teacher feedback. (Author/MSE)

Potential methods are explored for removing or otherwise controlling random measurement error, assessment artifacts, irrelevant variation in outcome measures, and confounding sources of covariation in a structural equations model. Using examples with measures of quality of life and functioning, the authors consider these methods for field…

Analyzes the studies on the correlation between school expenditures and student achievement. Examines the effects of court-ordered equalization of interdistrict spending. Discusses a possible change of focus in recent educational research on the cost/quality problem as scholars grow concerned with designing more efficient policies. (86 footnotes)…

Elaborates on issues surrounding the whole language debate, particularly the issue of qualitative research. Discusses differences in what the opposing parties mean by "research." Submits that, although it is reasonable to hold teachers accountable for learning, there are valid criticisms of traditional standardized testing. Speculates…

Responds to criticism concerning the communication research conducted by the author about urban schools and immigrant families. The author describes the research approach, defends the lack of parental and community data as appropriate for the stage the study was in, and explains the research is too early to subscribe to the political and…

Examines the current state of research in Hungary. Topics discussed include funding; access to bibliographic databases, adequate telephone service and electronic mail; money for library materials; support for conference attendance; language problems; and political barriers to information and technology from the West, the former Soviet Union, and…

Stresses the danger of sociological fieldwork in Latin America for researcher and subject. Recommends that the researcher build a network of contacts for support and protection. Discusses the interpersonal relations, problems of security, and field entry techniques involved in sensitive research situations. Suggests unobtrusive methods of research…