The University of Queensland (Australia) Library (UQL) conducted a pilot study to investigate how the university's leading researchers and postgraduate students gather information and what services and/or collections would create the ideal research environment for them. At focus group sessions, researchers and students were asked about information…

At the Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management at the University of Houston (Texas), the faculty and administrators made a conscious effort to take a broad, extensive approach to designing and implementing a fully online masters program. This approach was entered in a comprehensive needs assessment model and sought input from…

Morry's Camp specifically serves low-income and at-risk New York City youth by providing a maintenance and prevention program focused on the camp community, youth development, and education. Campers attend for 4 years, and there is a "post-grad" program for those who have completed the 4 years. The camp has a year-round component in which staff…

In 1998 and 1999, the Arkansas State Department of Education annual state census of deaf-blind children found none in a seven-county section of southeast Arkansas--a rural area that includes the Mississippi River delta region. A project investigated the idea that unique cultural characteristics of the region might prevent parents from identifying…

This study was conducted to gain descriptive insights into the routines, practices, perceptions, and interactions that make up the everyday ecology of classrooms serving African American children from low-income backgrounds. A taxonomic scheme was devised for examining the realities of what occurs in classrooms. The taxonomy identifies five…

This paper reports on an evaluation of a unique 3-year program designed to support new teachers in a school district. The emphasis in the evaluation was on the participation of the multiple stakeholders in the evaluation process, which was endorsed by the teachers union, school district administrators, and entry-year teachers. The people who are…

This report describes activities and accomplishments of the Community Options Project, a 5-year effort to enhance the capacity of eight local communities in New Hampshire and Maine to include young children (birth to age 6) with disabilities and their families in typical early childhood programs and to enhance the quality of these programs for all…

This report presents 228 tables detailing findings concerning management practices of marketing programs at 68 colleges and universities. Highlights of this report include: a mean of 5 employees regularly visit high school guidance counselors; only 5 percent of the colleges sponsor campus visits for select applicants; 24 percent of the colleges…

This report summarizes findings of focus groups of recent high school graduates conducted during new student orientation at Carroll Community College (CCC) in fall 1999. Students were invited to participate in focus groups at the conclusion of the all-day orientation. Three focus groups were held, two with six participants and one with five…

The Southeastern Minority Trainer of Trainers program provides leadership training in three phases to African American community leaders in five southern states. Findings of little leadership change in Phase 1 and Phase 2 survey evaluations for three states were in contrast to results of focus groups at the conclusion of Phase 2 capstone…

A program to develop culturally appropriate child and family service standards in First Nations communities was evaluated. Process and outcome benefits were achieved through multiple focus group interviews and using a feedback and data consultation stage to involve community residents. (SLD)

Demonstrates how electronic mail and the World Wide Web are effective tools for focus group research and programmatic decision making by highlighting how an electronic needs assessment survey was conducted on participants' use of the Web. Sidebars contain the four-step focus group methodology; sample questions and responses; and a comparison of…

An assessment of the needs of persons with developmental disabilities and their families was conducted via focus groups of individuals with disabilities, family members, and professionals (n=50). Concerns included preservice staff training, inservice staff training, and program delivery and development. Implications for quality assurance and…

Advocates public policy education in higher education and student involvement in state public policy. Discusses ways to incorporate public policy education in university courses in family and consumer sciences curricula at the introductory, advanced, and graduate levels, including writing briefing reports, participating in professional…

Reports the results of an information literacy research study in which focus group methodology was used. A small focus group of undergraduates discussed the concept of information literacy and the role of the undergraduate library in developing information literacy skills. Information needs, information seeking, and further research are also…