It is argued that employment data provide a useful and flexible metric to assess social impact. Problems and advantages with the traditional use of population statistics and the use of employment data are discussed, and an example of the use of each is given. (SLD)

Discusses the problems inherent in applying what is learned in a carefully controlled information retrieval (IR) research project to searching the scientific databases available through a large commercial database. STN International is used as an example. (five references) (LAE)

Provides a brief summary of current research in mathematics education at the college level. Explores the current needs of college-level faculty. Suggests ways of coping with the apparent perception that some of the best contemporary research is useless or irrelevant from the practitioner's point of view. (22 references) (JJK)

Profiles the general education assessment movement on colleges/universities, identifying as benefits improvements in curricula, instructional strategies, and educational quality. Describes efforts to assess and describe fully student learning experiences. Notes gains in institutional community/identity, renewed curricular meaning and purpose, and…

Statistical significance does not necessarily make research meaningful. The problems and implications must be significant and valuable, and the research process should not be emphasized more than product. Qualitative methods and better reporting of conclusions would enhance significance. (SK)

A research and development approach to performance monitoring in public agencies involves establishing objectives, selecting indicators, establishing criteria for comparison, and using information. Examples from Virginia education agencies indicate that performance monitoring requires commitment, patience, openness to ideas, and risk taking. (SK)

Purposes of and audiences for special education research information are reviewed, and dissemination strategies are discussed in terms of the seven factors identified by R. Havelock that account for most of the spread and utilization of knowledge: linkage, proximity, structure, synergy, openness to change, capacity, and reward. (Author/JDD)

A study compared the influence of four missing data techniques on three published analyses of the High School and Beyond data (reexamining public- versus private-school achievement). Results indicated that use of data-replacement techniques affected the conclusions of the three studies examined. A small positive effect favoring private schooling…

Use of "best practices" in vocational special needs education can provide efficient and effective learning for students with learning difficulties. Barriers to their use include association with particular groups, aptitude treatment interaction, attitudes, and lack of information. Closing the research-practice gap can improve use of best…

Discusses some areas of particular interest in the study of education in the South Pacific islands: educational development in small, recently decolonized nations; mismatch between policies of donors of international aid and the needs of developing nations; importance of understanding the context of education; and misapplication of educational…

A review of some alumni research conducted at Stanford University (California) and the ways the findings have been used indicates the range of development and alumni-relations issues for which market research can be valuable. It also demonstrates the value of ongoing, rather than occasional, research. (Author/MSE)

Junior nursing students participated as research subjects in a faculty study, collected data for a student project on health attitudes, and analyzed both studies' findings. Thus, they learned about the research process through participation in several different phases. (SK)

Describes the Healthy Families America (HFA) initiative, a program that seeks to expand the availability of high-quality, intensive home-visitation services. Reports on evaluation of HFA programs, which have not shown significant improvements in children's development and maternal social support so far. (SLD)

Outlines the value of action research for vocational special-needs educators and students. Presents relevant research topics and scenarios of school-based action research projects on inclusion, transition, family involvement, and career development. (SK)

Analyzes 86 articles in the first 7 volumes of the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Vocational Education Research and organizes them in 3 categories: learning and teaching, policy context, and improving research. Concludes with implications for policy, practice, and future research. An appendix lists articles by topic. (Contains 106…