Discusses knowledge utilization processes, from general studies on utilization of research to a focus on those specific to educational settings. Factors that can facilitate the use of knowledge in school are examined. (50 references) (AEF)

Suggests incorporating into practice those findings that emerge repeatedly in different foster care studies. Identifies four characteristics of children that have been linked to particular outcomes: age at time of placement, contact with biological family, length of time in care, and behavior problems. Shows how incorporation of these factors into…

The federal role of developing connections between researchers and practitioners in education is discussed, with attention to the activities of the Office of Special Education Programs' Division of Innovation and Development. Changes in the roles of teachers in applying research knowledge are considered. (SW)

Suggests steps in planning and managing student tracking systems: build support, determine the system's purpose, inventory available student data, identify information gaps, consider a small prototype, make tracking ongoing, and use the system. Reviews potential problems during implementation. Cites further sources of information. (DMM)

Discussion of biomedical science and technology focuses on factors important to a vital health care industry. Topics addressed include high expectations about health care, spending for health care, aspects related to international competitiveness, constraints on growth in the biomedical industry, the role of research, and research and employment…

Discusses the problem of how to amass and organize large volumes of global change research data. Public policy issues relating to U.S. data and information management, technological challenges, proposed digital data generation and collection activities, and other data management activities are covered. (58 references) (KRN)

Surveys 32 officials of federal agencies and educational researchers to express historically grounded judgments on issues in educational research, including the poor reputation of the field. Criticisms that recur are that it does not pay off, that the community is in disarray, and that the field is politicized. (SLD)

Argues that systematic study of school administrators' activities could be valuable in refining development models. Reviews North American, Australian, and British research on elementary school management. States organizational demands on leadership increase as schools become more complex. Observes that British primary school heads lack a reliable…

One educator's experience suggests that having graduate teaching assistants use classroom assessment techniques (CATs) in structured assignments is a good way to develop teaching assistants' ability to look beyond their classroom survival concerns in that it provides a safe way for them to engage students in dialogs about learning. Examples of…

Dichotomizes academic research and educational policymaking as distinct and often conflicting cultures. Examines legislative support of higher education as an illustration of the research-policy disconnection. Summarizes recent criticisms of higher education research. Discusses differing "mind frames" of researchers and policymakers,…

Results from a project of linked alumni and employer surveys at North Carolina State University were analyzed to explore the comparability of the ratings. A survey of administrators was subsequently undertaken to explore the impact of survey-based assessment information on planning, assessment, curriculum revision, and customer satisfaction at the…

Holistic educational research looks beyond test scores as a measure of student development and considers broader perspectives, such as quality of life and community interactions. Approaches to making research more understandable, accessible, and practical at a grassroots level include qualitative research, informal research, participatory research…

This article focuses on the link between changes in teachers' conceptual knowledge and student performance. It shows how teachers used the Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills assessment system and describes significant change in teacher practice and student performance on foundational skills in early literacy. (Contains references.)…

Use of student focus groups to help shape college and university student recruitment efforts is examined, illustrated with the experiences of a variety of institutions. Benefits and limitations of the approach are noted, specific techniques for maximizing the groups' effectiveness are suggested, and uses of the resulting information are discussed.…

The "Projections" report finds that the population surge of children of the baby boom ("baby boom echo") has moved into the high school and postsecondary education spheres. To be effective, education policies at all levels must reflect the changes in student enrollment predicted in the "Projections." Focuses on…