Research on choice (particularly publicly funded voucher programs) reveals that voucher parents with youngsters in private schools are pleased with the opportunity; voucher programs can be structured to provide additional choice for at-risk students; few eligible families apply for tuition vouchers; and academic achievement results remain…

Community-based research projects, a minute portion of the total amount government, industry, and foundations spend money on, are beginning to generate attention among policymakers because of their power to meet the needs of ordinary citizens, especially the disadvantaged. Currently, the incentives for researchers and institutions to pursue such…

The Next Generation Internet (NGI) proposal by the Clinton Administration would advance the current state of the Internet, advance university research capabilities, and assist federal agencies in achieving their missions. Several concerns to be addressed before deciding on final action include the appropriate roles of the federal and private…

Analyzes methodologies used by those embroiled in the "mainstreaming debate" (whether a basic writing curriculum is the best way to help entering college students). Finds methodological confusion leading to monologues going in circles rather than constructive dialectic. Argues that researchers ought to consider the evidence and arguments of those…

Presents a critical appraisal of resilience, a construct connoting the maintenance of positive adaptation by individuals despite significant adversity. Addresses common criticisms, proposes solutions for those considered legitimate, and clarifies misunderstandings surrounding less valid criticisms. Concludes that work on resilience possesses…

In a case study, three women superintendents say their Texas communities viewed the superintendency as suitable for a white, middle-aged, conservative, married man committed to keeping taxes low. Their observations on subtle and blatant manifestations of androcentric culture may provide grist for feminist research. Corrective measures are…

This article reviews and analyzes three decades of research on the underachievement of gifted students in an attempt to clarify the present state of research. The problems inherent in defining and identifying underachieving gifted students are given special attention. Suggestions for future research are included. (Contains extensive references.)…

Offers a retrospective deconstruction of research compromises undertaken during "quick and dirty" contract evaluation. Identifies constraining changes in the nature of research contexts and develops a positive view of methodological developments, that might create "transgressive validity." Considers notions of "hybridity" in research methodology…

Presents a colloqium in which five business communication scholars examined some of the dilemmas of business communication research. Discusses identifying research audiences; new knowledge versus practical problem solving; differences within the discipline; publishing research; and being hired, tenured, and promoted. (SR)

Although prevailing research indicates that holding back students carries negative effects, retention is becoming ever more popular. Administrators seeking secure funding for retention alternatives face considerable resistance, while the decision to add a full year of expenditures for a retained student is made without considering budgetary…

To be mindful of diversity issues, educational research must expand its dimensions, analyze assumptions, include researchers with authentic perspective, rethink the impact of research consumption, and redefine parameters of researchers' work. Also important are the gatekeeping function of refereed journals, multidimensionality of diversity, choice…

Contains a summary of the measurement strategies developed and used by the Technical Analysis Group on behalf of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. Also describes some remaining measurement dilemmas in the context of the National Board's assessments and suggests some areas for further research. (SLD)

This article presents outcomes of a 15-month project to integrate portfolios in one undergraduate special education preparation program. The process of defining portfolios, how they will be used, evaluation of portfolios, and the benefits of portfolio use are discussed, along with recommendations for future research on the efficacy of portfolios.…

This article reviews the studies that used microswitches and speech output systems with people with severe/profound intellectual or multiple disabilities during the 1986-1999 period and discusses the encouraging research findings and the economic practicality of these two forms of technology. Research needs are addressed. (Contains references.)…

Investigates ways in which people group or categorize documents associated with a voluminous work to guide the construction of organized displays for information retrieval systems. Discusses results of cluster analyses based on "A Christmas Carol" (Charles Dickens) and suggests implications for metadata standards and digital libraries as…