A comparison of multisite educational research projects involving qualitative research methods is reported. In phase 1 of the project, telephone interviews with key staff members of 25 projects determined ways in which each project handled important qualitative design and implementation choices. Phase 2 consisted of a more intensive study of 5…

Methodological issues in the use of protocol analysis for research into human problem solving processes are examined through a case study in which two students were videotaped as they worked together to solve mathematical problems "out loud." The students' chosen strategic or executive behavior in examining and solving a problem was…

Thirty specific standards developed as guiding principles to maintain the utility, feasibility, propriety and accuracy of evaluations in educational programs, projects and materials are presented. Utility Standards include Audience Identification, Evaluator Credibility, Information Scope and Selection, Valuational Interpretation, Report Clarity,…

Described in this technical note is a 2-week workshop designed to train Indonesian community education workers (peniliks) to develop and use case studies in their work with village learning groups. The peniliks are described as mostly male, from a variety of backgrounds, but with backgrounds similar to that of their clients. Learning groups are…

This technical report describes the development of "Finetuning Special Education Finance: A Guide for State Policymakers." The report's introductory section notes the need for information on special education finance. Section 2 describes how these needs were identified--through a national survey of 118 persons knowledgeable about state…

This study was conducted to determine the effects of using various levels of tutorial statistical software for the tentative identification of nonseasonal ARIMA models, a statistical technique proposed by Box and Jenkins for the interpretation of time-series data. The Box-Jenkins approach is an iterative process encompassing several stages of…

Guidelines for conducting departmental reviews are presented to help review panels, departments being reviewed, and administrators. In planning a review, the following considerations are important: the purpose of the review and the terms of reference, the organization of the review and who will conduct it, and the information that will be…

Microcomputers are now affordable tools for managing schools and school districts--and fast becoming essential. This digest, designed to help school administrators begin computerizing their offices, depicts tomorrow's computerized office, introduces computer applications in management, and outlines procedures for computerizing an office. A…

This paper deals with two questions: (1) what are the the applications that might be made of microcomputers in evaluation? and (2) what are the kinds of problems (personnel, organizational, and technical) that must be overcome if microcomputers are to be used effectively? The applications include proposals and planning, management, data…

This is one of a series of reports based on an ongoing reality test of systemic evaluation for instructional decision making. This feasibility study is being carried out by the Center for the Study of Evaluation with the Laboratory in School and Community Relations at a suburban Los Angeles high school (called Site A). Viewing a school as a…

The purpose of this research project was to develop techniques for analyzing user searches of the Syracuse University Libraries Information Retrieval Systems (SULIRS) to enable library staff to identify and test potentially high payoff modifications to the system and/or to user documentation. The first task was an exploratory analysis of recorded…

Patterns of foreign language retention among young children who have been removed from a language contact situation for a period of time are studied. (PP)

The paper discusses: the theoretical and methodological constraints of orthodox sociology which limit data selection for the study and understanding of Chicanos; an analysis of Gurvitch's approach; and an illustration of the approach. (NQ)

Data accumulated over two years were analyzed in order to evaluate two components of a teacher education curriculum--performance objectives and self analysis skills. A multi-step procedure was devised and implemented which uses regression to illustrate the feasibility of implementing the procedure for curricular decision making. This procedure…

This paper describes the use of the ethnographer's perspective in applying research knowledge to the improvement of educational practice. The Documentation and Technical Assistance Project (DTA) uses ethnographic methods to study problem solving in urban public schools. In the complicated culture of the urban school, social, economic and political…