This chapter examines lessons learned by states that are using student unit record (SUR) data to improve outcomes for community college students and recommends steps states can take to strengthen their use of SUR databases to benefit students and communities. (Contains 1 exhibit.)

Fred N. Kerlinger has been hailed as having contributed to the transformation of the way that behavioral scientists and educators read research reports, design and execute research, and draw conclusions about research. In 1960 he introduced the notion that educational research is fraught with mythology. Three of the research myths that he…

Making every school in America free of drugs and violence and fostering a disciplined environment conducive to learning by the year 2000 is the aim of the U.S. Department of Education's sixth National Education Goal. Research shows that drugs, violence, and discipline are related problems and are influenced by factors within schools, in the…

Several theorists have categorized distance education as an industrial process. Most institutional research can be seen as contributing to this process. This is especially true in the following areas: market research, organization and methods studies, quality control research, the research activities that are components of management information…

On the continuum along which theories of first and second language acquisition are located, the two extremes represent the classic controversy of nature (nativist) vs. nurture (environmentalist), while those in the middle view language acquisition as a result of a more or less balanced interaction between innate capacities and linguistic…

A study was undertaken at Mercer County Community College (MCCC) in New Jersey to establish a human resources development (HRD) utility role for the college's Office of Institutional Research (OIR). The study involved a search of current literature; a survey of OIRs at 14 New Jersey community colleges; interviews with 24 senior faculty members;…

The Project on Secondary Analysis directed its attention to methodology and policy issues, focusing on reanalysis of existing data (1979-82)--surveys, program evaluations, etc.--as a vehicle for learning how to improve methods of obtaining and analyzing data, designing program evaluations, and constructing policy to enhance the quality and utility…

Indicators that the prospects for meaningful curricular reform are not optimistic are developed in this paper. The first premise is that research on curricular reform has been limited in its applicability to practitioner concerns. Another dilemma in the translation of research on curricular reform for practitioners is the continuing wide gap in…

Studies on the relationship between research and development (R&D) and public policymaking processes are reviewed. Attention is directed to R&D utilization in Sweden and other countries. The publications are grouped into four categories: policymaking and knowledge utilization, research policy, higher education policy, and knowledge…

This book emphasizes the importance of research to the school psychologist. Written in a conversational style, it looks at research as a tool for problem solving and a basis for action rather than as an academic exercise. Research is described as an interaction, a point of contact to get things moving, a different way of seeing a problem. The…

Suggests that in publishing educational research results, the minority researcher should seek outlets which have maximum impact on policy implementations and decision making in addition to seeking those outlets which have maximum impact in his community. (Author/AM)

Responses to area and preimeter questions asked of 9-, 13-, 17-year-olds and young adults in the National Assessment are summarized. Recommendations for instruction aimed at improving these results are described. (SD) Aspect of National Assessment (NAEP) dealt with in this document: Results (Interpretation).

Some thoughts on the classroom use of hand calculators are offered, together with advice on their purchase and references to related research. (SD)

Vocational rehabilitation agencies throughout the U.S. employed research utilization specialists as part of a national demonstration project. The nature and scope of this program's effort to link rehabilitation practitioners to research and other information is reported, including the RUS's goals, roles, and functions; training provided; skills…

Results of National Assessment problems on area are used to highlight the difficulties elementary students have with area and volume concepts. Recommendations for instruction include the provision for substantial practice with coverings before the introduction of computational short-cuts. (SD) Aspect of National Assessment (NAEP) dealt with in…