The first of this document's three major sections describes the history and rationale behind legislative and executive action that led to the creation of NIE. The second section outlines the tentative status of the four major program planning efforts at NIE. These programs are (1) the visiting scholars program; (2) the basic studies program, which…

There should be little doubt in the mind of the educational researcher that many of the past research efforts in the black community have resulted in an enormous disservice to the children residing there. However, the future for educational research in the black community has the potential to be infinitely better and ultimately more beneficial. To…

The concept of "instructional leadership" springs from a desire to relate school administration to instruction, but it does little to suggest what the specific links between the two might be. It obscures the uncertainty and tension that is bound to arise from serious efforts to restructure the schools. (BJV)

British and U.S. preschool intervention projects are now reporting dramatic long-term follow-up findings that appear to vindicate the claim that preschool can serve as an "innoculation against failure," especially with disadvantaged children. However, important questions remain about the generalizability of these effects in other…

This article examines statistical issues raised when standard methods are used to analyze educable placement data to determine possible racial discrimination. An alternate approach is offered that detects disparities while avoiding the pitfalls of present methodologies. (BS)

While a great deal has been written on the advantage and benefits of online teaching, little is known on how assessment is implemented in online classrooms to monitor and inform performance and progress. The purpose of this study is to investigate the dynamics of WebCT classroom assessment by analyzing the perceptions and experience of the…

Early Childhood Research and Practice (ECRP), a peer-reviewed Internet-only journal sponsored by the Early Childhood and Parenting (ECAP) Collaborative at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, covers topics related to the development, care, and education of children from birth to approximately age 8. The journal emphasizes articles…

Noting national survey data from the past three decades showing consistently that more than 60 percent of American high school seniors agree that religion is important to them, and in light of increased interest in faith-based initiatives, this research brief summarizes findings from recent studies that examine linkages between adolescents beliefs…

Noting that the disappointing findings of the first-year evaluation of the 21st-Century Community Learning Centers (21st CCLC) after-school program were offered as a rationale for a requested decrease in funding in President Bush's fiscal year 2004 education budget, this report compiles expert commentary on methodological issues in that evaluation…

In seven articles, addresses parenting issues within social and cultural contexts. Overviews values placed on parenting and presents a conceptual framework considering the intersection of occupational and family roles across life cycles. Reviews effects of parenting throughout the adult life cycle, discusses emerging theoretical models, and parent…

A review of existing evaluations of medical, educational, and counseling services for pregnant adolescents and young parents reveals methodological weaknesses. Among the suggestions for improving evaluative studies are recommendations for proper selection of control groups, improved analytic procedures, and formulation of realistic goals. (MH)

Maintains that empirical curriculum development (evaluating a curriculum as one develops it) can be a useful tool for drug abuse prevention efforts. Presents a model of a systemic process of empirical development that considers variables such as manipulation checks, interest, belief changes and perceived helplessness. Discusses research…

Explores the opportunities and problems inherent in the working relationship between sociologists and educators. Examines the ways that educational sociologists can participate in linking research, policy, and practice. Posits three requirements for productive collaboration between educators and sociologists: multilingualism, mutual programs, and…

Outlines problems associated with using mainstream research methods for evaluating the representation of marginalized cultural groups in social studies textbooks. Describes an alternative method and ethnographic format for assessing textbooks that uses evaluation criteria developed in cooperation with marginalized people. Includes extensive…

A 5-year study of one-teacher schools was conducted by a single researcher in the remote North West Region of New South Wales, Australia. A personal narrative discusses problems of longitudinal research, peculiarities of gathering data in the chosen region, the close relationship of these isolated schools and their communities, and problems and…