95,110 results
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52. Low Income Preschoolers' Non-Parental Care Experiences and Household Food Insecurity. University of Kentucky Center for Poverty Research Discussion Paper Series, DP2012-09
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University of Kentucky Center for Poverty Research, Heflin, Colleen, Arteaga, Irma, and Gable, Sara
- Abstract
Rates of food insecurity in households with children have significantly increased over the past decade. The majority of children, including those at risk for food insecurity, participate in some form of non-parental child care during the preschool years. To evaluate the relationship between the two phenomenon, this study investigates the effects of child care arrangements on food insecurity in households with children. To address the selection bias problem that arises from the fact that enrollment in different types of child care is not a random process, this study uses propensity scores techniques. The authors compare outcomes across five child care arrangement patterns: no non-parental care (i.e., exclusive parent care), relative care, non-relative care, center care, and Head Start. Our results demonstrate that for low income preschoolers, compared to no non-parental care, attending a child care center reduces the probability of both food insecurity and very low food security, relative care reduces the probability of food insecurity, and non-relative care increases the probability of very low food security.
- Published
- 2012
53. Transfer Student Experiences and Success at Berkeley. A SERU Project Research Paper. Research & Occasional Paper Series: CSHE.3.09
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University of California, Berkeley, Center for Studies in Higher Education, Alexander, Sereeta, Ellis, Debbie, and Mendoza-Denton, Rodolfo
- Abstract
The current study focuses on the stigmatization and psychosocial experiences of community college transfer students within the university setting. Two hundred and sixty-three students nearing the completion of their studies at UC Berkeley responded to a series of open-ended questions about their academic, social, and psychological experiences at the university. Results indicate that nearly one-fifth of the respondents concealed the fact that they were transfer students at least once in the past and approximately one-fourth reported experiences of transfer-related rejection. Furthermore, those who reported experiences of rejection were more likely to conceal that they had transferred into the university than those who did not experience such rejection. Despite these reported experiences of concealment and rejection, the overall group of surveyed transfer students in this study proved to be academically successful. The theoretical and practical implications of this research are discussed. Three appendixes present additional tables and figures and participant responses.(Contains 4 notes, 1 figure, and 4 tables.)
- Published
- 2009
54. Annual Proceedings of Selected Research and Development Papers Presented at the National Convention of the Association for Educational Communications and Technology (29th, Dallas, Texas, 2006). Volume 2
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Association for Educational Communications and Technology, Washington, DC., Simonson, Michael, and Crawford, Margaret
- Abstract
For the twenty-ninth year, the Research and Theory Division of the Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT) is sponsoring the publication of these Proceedings. Papers published in this volume were presented at the National AECT Convention in Orlando, Florida. The Proceedings of AECT's Convention are published in two volumes. Volume 2 contains papers primarily dealing with instruction and training issues. (Individual papers contain references, figures, and tables.) [For Volume 1, see ED499964.]
- Published
- 2006
55. The Monitoring the Future Project After Thirty-Two Years: Design and Procedures. Monitoring the Future Occasional Paper 64
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Michigan Univ., Ann Arbor. Inst. for Social Research., Bachman, Jerald G., Johnston, Lloyd D., and O'Malley, Patrick M.
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This occasional paper updates and extends earlier papers in the Monitoring the Future project. It provides a detailed description of the project's design, including sampling design, data collection procedures, measurement content, and questionnaire format. It attempts to include sufficient information for others who wish to evaluate the results, to replicate aspects of the study, or to analyze data that is archived. Although there have been additions to the study design and procedures, the basic study design described in a 1978 paper has remained constant in its fundamental characteristics, which is considered the key condition for its ability to successfully measure change. Following an introduction and overview, this paper presents the scope, purposes, and rationale for the nationwide sampling of 8th-, 10th-, and 12th-grade students. In the measures section, an overview is presented of the conceptual framework of the study, the outline of questionnaire content, the questionnaire organization, and the consent and format of the 8th- and 10th-grade questionnaires. Sampling and data collection procedures are included in the next section, which is followed by the representativeness and validity. (Contains 2 tables, 3 figures, and 16 appendixes.)
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- 2006
56. A Rating Scale Model for a Scale of Test Anxiety in Italy. Working Paper N. 11/2011
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Poliandri, Donatella, Cardone, Michele, Muzzioli, Paola, and Romiti, Sara
- Abstract
The purpose of this study is to validate a test anxiety scale for Italian students. The scale is part of a questionnaire administered after the students' annual competence test by the National Institute for the Educational Evaluation of Instruction and Training (INVALSI). The aim of the scale is to explore the anxiety levels of Italian students during the administration of the standardized tests at the end of the school year. A test anxiety scale has been adapted from the Motivational and Self-Regulated Learning Competence Questionnaire. In May 2009 the tests (Reading comprehension and Grammar, Math) and questionnaire were administered to a sample of 42,929 5th graders. According to Classical Test Theory, Cronbach's alpha coefficient of reliability (0.71) evaluates internal consistency of the scale. Anxiety level estimates for students, items and item thresholds--according to the Andrich Rating Scale Model (1978)--are obtained using software ConQuest. Results show that item threshold estimates are monotonous and well separated from each other, so that the more anxiety levels increase, the more the students' agreement with each item increases. Applied across gender groups the RSM (DIF analysis) reveals that gender should be taken into account in detecting test anxiety: females are more anxious than males (the model fits better for the female sample). At the same time, two of the items seem to work differently by gender. (Contains 6 figures, 6 tables, and 3 notes.) [This publication was produced by the INVALSI - National Institute for the Educational Evaluation of Instruction and Training.]
- Published
- 2011
57. OECD Educationtoday Crisis Survey 2010: The Impact of the Economic Recession and Fiscal Crisis on Education in OECD Countries. OECD Education Working Papers, No. 56
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Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, Damme, Dirk V., and Karkkainen, Kiira
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The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Directorate for Education surveyed the impact of the economic recession on education for the first time in June 2009. Responses were received from seventeen OECD member countries, the Flemish Community of Belgian and two Canadian provinces. The results of the survey reflect the observations of officials in education ministries and public agencies in member countries regarding various aspects of the impact of the economic recession and fiscal crisis on education. The survey indicated that the main effects of the crisis on education were: (1) a marked increase in demand for non-compulsory education in many countries as a result of rising unemployment; (2) some budget cuts in education in some countries; (3) attempts by governments in several countries to reduce the negative consequences on schools and universities by targeted explicit or implicit stimulus measures; vocational education and training, tertiary education and upper-secondary education benefit the most from stimulus measures; and (4) a rather severe impact on private investment. A second OECD "educationtoday" Crisis Survey was carried out over the summer of 2010. Twenty-five OECD member countries completed the questionnaire. The main change between the two surveys is that the first was carried out at a time of economic recession, while the second was developed at a time of economic recovery and fiscal consolidation. Indeed, the education systems in OECD member countries are mainly confronted with the difficulties of governments to maintain the growth of public spending as in past pre-crisis years. The main outcomes of the 2010 survey are the following: (1) The survey data does not portrait an education system dramatically affected by overall budget cuts; (2) In general, governments seem to be rather successful in protecting education spending; (3) The demand for non-compulsory education continues to augment, especially in vocational education and training, although the recession reduces the capacity of enterprises to uphold their training investments; (4) The recession has not slowed down reforms in education; on the contrary, some countries have accelerated reforms; and (5) Some governments are also taking into consideration the difficult situation of private households by increasing social measures to contain education cost. Annexed are: (1) Questionnaire Respondents; (2) The Crisis and Demand for Education in the Past; (3) The Crisis and Expected Demand for Education; (4) Targeting of Stimulus Spending on Education; (5) The Crisis and Public Financing of Education in the Past; (6) The Crisis and Educational Reform; and (7) The Crisis and Expected Public Financing of Education. (Contains 3 tables, 1 box and 4 notes.)
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- 2011
- Full Text
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58. Social Desirability Responding on World Wide Web and Paper-Administered Surveys.
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Hancock, Dawson R. and Flowers, Claudia P.
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Social desirability responding (SDR) on surveys administered on the World Wide Web and on paper was examined, with 178 graduate and undergraduate students as participants. To assess the extent to which participants would demonstrate SDR, this study used the Balanced Inventory of Desirable Responding (BIDR) (Paulhus, 1993). The BIDR consists of 40 items states as propositions. Respondents rate their agreement with each statement on a seven-point scale. Using a true experimental design, the study examined the impact of two independent variables, the participants' identifiability level (anonymous and non-anonymous) and the survey's administration mode (World Wide Web-administered and paper-administered), on one dependent variable, the participants' social desirability response levels measured by the BIDR. Findings reveal no differences in SDR between the Web and the paper-administered survey conditions, and no differences in SDR between the anonymous and non-anonymous conditions. These findings and potential explanations are examined for consideration by anyone interested in using the Web to obtain accurate information from survey participants. (Contains 35 references.) (AEF)
- Published
- 2000
59. Birthplace Diversity, Income Inequality and Education Gradients in Generalised Trust: The Relevance of Cognitive Skills in 29 Countries. OECD Education Working Papers, No. 164
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Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) (France), Borgonovi, Francesca, and Pokropek, Artur
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The paper examines between-country differences in the mechanisms through which education could promote generalised trust using data from 29 countries participating in the OECD's Survey of Adult Skills (PIAAC). Results indicate that education is strongly associated with generalised trust and that a large part of this association is mediated by individuals' literacy skills, income and occupational prestige. However, education gradients in levels of generalised trust and in the extent to which they are due to social stratification mechanisms or cognitive skills mechanisms vary across countries. Differences across countries in birthplace diversity and income inequality are correlated with how strongly education is associated with trust in different countries, as well as in the relative magnitude of direct and indirect associations. In particular, the relationship between literacy skills and generalised trust is stronger in the presence of greater birthplace diversity but is weaker in the presence of greater income inequality.
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- 2017
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60. High School Longitudinal Study of 2009 (HSLS:09) Base-Year Field Test Report. Working Paper Series. NCES 2011-01
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National Center for Education Statistics (ED), Ingels, Steven J., Herget, Deborah, Pratt, Daniel J., Dever, Jill, Copello, Elizabeth, and Leinwand, Steve
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This report examines the results of the field test for the base year of the High School Longitudinal Study of 2009 (HSLS:09). The general purposes of the field test were, in anticipation of the base-year full-scale effort, to test instruments, forms, and procedures; to experiment with different approaches to questionnaire content and survey methodology; and to evaluate the overall study design. The HSLS:09 field test faced a number of challenges. In varying degrees, these challenges will require further strategies and efforts be applied in the main study. Specific recommendations are summarized in this report, challenge by challenge. Appendices include: (1) HSLS:09 Sampling Plan for Main Study and Field Test; (2) HSLS:09 Field Test Codebook; (3) HSLS:09 Assessment Pilot Report; (4) HSLS:09 Technical Review Panel Participants and Meeting Minutes; (5) HSLS:09 Field Test Letters, Permission Forms, and Scripts; (6) HSLS:09 Mathematics Assessment Specifications:Final Working Version; (7) HSLS:09 Field Test Classical Item Statistics; (8) HSLS:09 Field Test Item Parameter Estimates; (9) HSLS:09 Student Instrument Scale Reliability Analyses; and (10) Questionnaires. (Contains 42 tables, 10 figures and 9 footnotes.)
- Published
- 2010
61. Principal Quality Practice in Alberta: Education 900 Introduction Paper
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Ennest, Robert
- Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of Alberta's Principal Quality Practice Standard as a framework for the roles and responsibilities of school principals. Methodology: Three principals participated in the study, and each principal had more than 25 years of teaching and school administration experience. Each principal was interviewed about preparation for their role as school administrator, and asked about job-embedded supports for each of the dimensions included in the Principal Quality Practice Standard. Participants in the study self-reported in two questionnaires framed on a five-point Likert scale, and each was personally interviewed to preserve their "voice" intact toward reporting. Results: Results indicate that principals regard site-based leadership as practical for engaging leadership candidates toward administrative roles. Site-based leadership programs that offer university credit are also highly regarded to satisfy qualifications for principals to continue their professional educational growth in academics. Master's-level university courses provide a necessary understanding of leadership change, growth and development for principals to be effective instructional leaders. Conclusions: Results show that principals with classroom teaching experience present a "grassroots" approach to school leadership, that transforms their administrative role into a more active role as Instructional/Learning Leader(s). Recommendations: Educators who assume school administrator roles are responsible for developing leadership capacity in their staff members. The Alberta Principal Quality Practice Standard is a benchmark that highlights several dimensions of principalship that elucidate areas of professional responsibility in which leadership candidates must be engaged.
- Published
- 2010
62. Annual Proceedings of Selected Research and Development Papers Presented at the National Convention of the Association for Educational Communications and Technology (27th, Chicago, Illinois, 2004). Volume 1
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Association for Educational Communications and Technology, Washington, DC., Simonson, Michael, and Crawford, Margaret
- Abstract
For the twenty-seventh year, the Research and Theory Division of the Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT) is sponsoring the publication of these Proceedings. Papers published in this volume were presented at the National AECT Convention in Chicago, Illinois. The Proceedings of AECT's Convention are published in two volumes. Volume 1 contains papers dealing primarily with research and development topics. (Individual papers contain references, figures, and tables.) [For Volume 2, see ED499962.]
- Published
- 2004
63. What Works Best? Collecting Alumni Data with Multiple Technologies. AIR 2001 Annual Forum Paper.
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Porter, Stephen R. and Umbach, Paul D.
- Abstract
Alumni surveys were sent to one-year alumni from a large, public research university to determine the survey format that resulted in the best response rates and the least response bias. Surveys differed in whether they were check-box or machine-scannable (optical mark recognition, or OMR) and in whether it was possible to use a Web site to complete the survey or just the paper form. Surveys were sent to 4,952 bachelor's degree recipients in four groups: (1) OMR with a Web option; (2) OMR with no Web option; (3) check-box with a Web option; and (4) check-box with no Web option. The final sample size was 4,524. Overall, 33.9% of the alumni responded over 3 months, with the group receiving the check-box plus Web option having the highest response rate (35.7%), followed by the check-box with no Web option (35.7%), the OMR with Web option (33.0%), and finally the OMR with no Web option (32.3%). Only 2% overall actually responded over the Internet. Optically machine-readable forms tended to suppress the response rates. Nonresponse bias for subgroups did not appear to be a problem, but there was some evidence of possible negative response bias in question answers, with respondents receiving the check box tended to give more negative answers than respondents receiving an OMR survey. (Contains 1 figure, 5 tables, and 16 references.) (SLD)
- Published
- 2001
64. Screening and Early Identification of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Queries: An Occasional Paper Compiling States' Approaches to Current Topics
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National Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center, Shaw, Evelyn, and Hatton, Deborah
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In response to interest from the National Professional Development Center on Autism Spectrum Disorders (NPDC-ASD), NECTAC (National Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center) queried Part C and Section 619 Coordinators regarding screening measures, diagnostic instruments and procedures, and trends in identifying young children with ASD under the age of five years. NECTAC collaborated with the NPDC-ASD to develop and refine a series of questions and then to conduct an on-line survey during a two week period in November 2008. Individual states are not identified in this report. Responses were received from a total of 33 respondents in 27 states/jurisdictions scattered throughout the United States and the Pacific. Of these respondents, 14 were Part C program coordinators, 12 were Section 619 program coordinators, and 7 indicated that they represented both programs. Twelve states had respondents from both Part C and preschool coordinators. First, respondents were asked to identify the screening measures/tools that were being used within their states to screen young children for ASD. Respondents could select all that applied from a list of measures typically used for screening young children for ASD that are shown in Table 1. Respondents in 89% (n = 24) of the states that participated noted that the Ages & Stages Questionnaire: Social Emotional (ASQ-SE; Squires et al., 2002) was used to screen for ASD. Respondents in 81% (n = 22) of the states that participated used the Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT; Robins et al., 2001). Most respondents (n = 25, 93%) indicated that more than one screening tool is being used in their states. (Contains 2 tables and 2 figures.)
- Published
- 2009
65. A Vision for the Future: Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training--A Discussion Paper [and] Current Context and Selected Trends: A Profile of Apprenticeship and Industry Training in Alberta [and] A Vision for the Future: Responses to a Discussion Paper from the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Board and the Alberta Apprenticeship and Industry Training Division. Keeping You Informed....
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Alberta Learning, Edmonton. Apprenticeship and Industry Training.
- Abstract
These three publications examine the current state and future of apprenticeship and industry training in Alberta, Canada. The "Current Context" publication, released in October 1996, examines the following topics: the structure of apprenticeship and industry training in Alberta; enrollment and industry participation; Alberta's contribution to apprenticeship training and the interprovincial standards (Red Seal) program; funding apprenticeship and industry training; the emerging economic environment and skill requirements; and recent government initiatives. A "Vision for the Future," also published in October 1996, is a discussion paper and outlines the vision and principles of apprenticeship and industry training in Alberta. The "Keeping you Informed" publication, released in March 1997, presents the responses from stakeholders to the discussion paper. Both the "Vision for the Future" and the "Keeping You Informed" responses are structured around 14 specific goals and strategies related to responsiveness, accessibility, affordability, and accountability. The following are among the recommendations discussed in both papers: (1) redesign the advisory committee network; (2) consider opportunities for flexible certification; (3) increase flexibility in methods of formal instruction; (4) review the regulatory framework; (5) communicate alternative ways of accessing apprenticeship training; and (6) provide apprentices with appropriate financial supports. The three documents include a total of 21 tables/charts and a questionnaire examining the vision and principles of apprenticeship and industry training in Alberta and strategies for achieving them. (MN)
- Published
- 1997
66. Finding the 'Start Line' with an Institutional Effectiveness Inventory. AIR 2000 Annual Forum Paper.
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Ronco, Sharron L. and Brown, Stephanie G.
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This paper describes a program to measure institutional effectiveness that involved development of an inventory checklist designed to stimulate faculty input on how student performance-related outcomes are measured and to evaluate current program effectiveness. The checklist, designed to be administered in an interview format, focused on three particular areas: (1) departmental mission, intended educational outcomes, and written methods of assessment for evaluating program effectiveness; (2) direct indicators for assessing students' knowledge and skills, including capstone courses, portfolio assessments, licensure, certification, professional exams; and indirect indicators for assessing students' and others' opinions of their learning, including student course evaluations, employer surveys, student exit interviews, and alumni surveys; and (3) using inventory results to identify needed program improvements and additional resources such as training, personnel, and technology. The paper concludes that using the inventory checklist provides a non-threatening way to assess student outcomes, and offers an excellent opportunity for initiating a systematic and continuing process for institutional effectiveness and educational improvement. The checklist is appended. (Contains 12 references.) (CH)
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- 2000
67. Mapping Careers and Mobility of Doctorate Holders: Draft Guidelines, Model Questionnaire and Indicators. OECD Science, Technology and Industry Working Papers, 2007/6
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Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, Auriol, Laudeline, Felix, Bernard, and Fernandez-Polcuch, Ernesto
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Human resources are recognised as being key to the creation, commercialisation and diffusion of innovation. Among them, doctorate holders are not only the most qualified in terms of educational attainment, but also those who are specifically trained to conduct research. Not much is known however about their career and mobility patterns on the labour market. This is why the OECD launched in 2004 a collaborative project with the UNESCO Institute for Statistics and Eurostat aimed at developing internationally comparable indicators on the careers and mobility of doctorate holders. An expert group with representatives from national statistical bodies was formed to develop the technical components of the project and start compiling data at national level. This document presents the three main technical components of the project which are: (1) the methodological guidelines; (2) a core model questionnaire and instruction manual; and (3) the output indicator tables used for reporting data at the international level. The current draft was discussed by the OECD Working Party of National Experts on Science and Technology Indicators (NESTI) in June 2007 and approved for broader diffusion. Its aim is to provide guidance to countries that wish to implement the project at national level. It is planned to work on a new and improved version following the outcomes of the data collection launched in November 2007. (Contains 7 footnotes and 32 tables.)
- Published
- 2007
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68. Evidence about the Effectiveness of Evidence-Based Practice: A Workshop for Training Adult Basic Education, TANF and One-Stop Practitioners and Program Administrators. NCSALL Occasional Paper
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National Center for the Study of Adult Learning and Literacy, Boston, MA., Smith, Cristine, and Bingman, Beth
- Abstract
The National Center for the Study of Adult Learning and Literacy (NCSALL) and the National Adult Education Professional Development Consortium (NAEPDC), with funding from the National Institute for Literacy, created a one-day workshop to assist practitioners and administrators in adult basic education, TANF (Transitional Assistance for Needy Families) and One-Stop programs to understand evidence-based practice and develop strategies for continuously accessing, understanding, judging and using research. Four appendixes are included: (1) Workshop Agenda; (2) Evidence-Based Pre-Workshop Questionnaire; (3) Evidence-Based Post-Workshop Questionnaire: and (4) Evidence-Based Practice Questionnaire Results.
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- 2007
69. CHEA Survey of Recognized Accrediting Organizations: Providing Information to the Public, May-June 2005. CHEA Occasional Paper
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Council for Higher Education Accreditation
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In the fall of 2004, following a series of conversations with the accreditation community on the topic of providing additional information to the public, the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) contracted with the National Center for Higher Education Management Systems (NCHEMS) to conduct a survey of accrediting organizations on this matter. The purpose of this survey was to identify practices used by accrediting organizations to inform the public about what they do: How these organizations operate, their decision-making practices and the results of their scrutiny of higher education institutions and programs. A questionnaire was developed by NCHEMS in consultation with CHEA staff to address information to the public about five main topics: (1) the accreditation process and how it works; (2) activities undertaken by accrediting organizations (e.g. numbers of visits, types of actions, etc.); (3) characteristics of accredited institutions and programs; (4) results of individual reviews beyond accredited status; and (5) institutional and program performance and student academic achievement. At the November 2004 meeting, a sixth topic arose, and it was also included in the survey: The role that public members of decision-making commissions have in the accrediting process. In addition to asking about current practices in each of these areas, the survey also asked respondents to provide examples and to describe future plans. The target population for the survey were the 81 CHEA- or United States Department of Education (USDE)-recognized accrediting organizations. Results of the survey were compiled by NCHEMS, with statistical responses broken down by the three major types of accreditation organizations. Results are reported by main topic in the sections provided herein. Two appendices present: (1) Survey Questionnaire; and (2) Survey Participants. (Contains 5 footnotes and 3 charts.) [This report was produced by CHEA (Council for Higher Education Accreditation) Institute for Research and Study of Accreditation and Quality Assurance.]
- Published
- 2006
70. Secondary Statistical Modeling with the National Assessment of Adult Literacy: Implications for the Design of the Background Questionnaire. Working Paper Series.
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Education Statistics Services Inst., Washington, DC. and Kaplan, David
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This paper offers recommendations to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) on the development of the background questionnaire for the National Assessment of Adult Literacy (NAAL). The recommendations are from the viewpoint of a researcher interested in applying sophisticated statistical models to address important issues in adult literacy. The paper focuses on five issues, each of which is the subject of a section of the paper: sampling; selection bias; measurement; policy modeling; and gauging cohort effects. Each section considers the scope of the issue and then makes recommendations to NCES. These recommendations include providing all appropriate sampling weights in NAAL data; examining contextual effects on the distribution of literacy ability in the population; considering relevant auxiliary variables that would constitute the selection equation; considering the hypothesized number of factors and including at least four variables measuring each factor in the questionnaire; obtaining retrospective data on general and job-specific literacy-related activities; and exploring the possibility of linking NAAL with existing longitudinal surveys. (Contains 21 references.) (YLB)
- Published
- 2000
71. Becoming a Leader in Mathematics: A Study of Leaders' Professional Development Experiences, Awareness, Beliefs, and Attitudes. Working Paper No. 26
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Ohio Univ., Athens. Appalachian Collaborative Center for Learning, Assessment, and Instruction in Mathematics., McGatha, Maggie, Bush, William S., and Thorn, Dustin
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This study describes (a) potential mathematics education leaders' professional development experiences, awareness, beliefs, and attitudes and (b) the subsequent changes in these constructs as they participated in a leadership development program. The context of the professional development was a three-week institute and a year-long follow-up. The participants were 37 K-12 teachers and administrators and post-secondary faculty from schools, colleges, and universities in the Appalachian areas of Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Ohio. To describe leaders' professional development experiences, awareness, beliefs, and attitudes, researchers developed a questionnaire that contained both Likert-scaled and open-response items. Participants completed the inventory three times over the course of the program. To determine if statistical significance could be associated to the overall means of the three data collections, researchers performed a Mauchly's test of Sphericity and a post hoc Sphericity Assumed or Greenhouse-Geisser analysis. In cases of statistical significance, researchers conducted a Pairwise Comparison analyses to determine the exact location of the significance. The analyses showed statistically significant changes in leaders' experiences, awareness, and attitudes. (Contains 10 tables.)
- Published
- 2005
72. 2004 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS:04) Field Test Methodology Report. Working Paper Series. NCES 2005-02
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National Center for Education Statistics (ED), Washington, DC., Riccobono, J., Siegel, P., Cominole, M., Dudley, K., Charleston, S., and Link, M.
- Abstract
The 2004 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS:04), conducted for the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), collected comprehensive data regarding how students and their families pay for postsecondary education. The primary objective of NPSAS:04 is to produce reliable national estimates of characteristics related to financial aid for postsecondary students. NPSAS:04 also serves as the base year of data collection for the Beginning Postsecondary Students Longitudinal Study (BPS), which will follow a cohort of students from the start of their postsecondary education and collect further data from them in 2006 and 2009. For the first time, NPSAS:04 is being conducted as the student component study of the 2004 National Study of Faculty and Students (NSoFaS:04). The faculty component--the 2004 National Study of Postsecondary Faculty (NSOPF:04)--is primarily a separate study, with the exception of institutional sampling and contacting. Historically, there has been considerable overlap in the institutions selected for participation in NPSAS and NSOPF; therefore, institutional sampling and contacting activities for both studies were coordinated in order to minimize response burden on institutions and to realize data collection efficiencies. This report only describes the methodology and findings of the NPSAS:04 field test, which took place during the 2002-03 school year. The NPSAS:04 field test was used to plan, implement, and evaluate methodological procedures, instruments, and systems proposed for use in the full-scale study scheduled for the 2003-04 school year. The methodology and findings of the NSOPF:04 field test are provided in a separate report. Appended are: (1) Technical Review Panel; (2)Data Collection Notification Materials; (3) Student Instrument Facsimile; (4) Computer-Assisted Data Entry (CADE) Facsimile; (5) Computer-Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI) Training; and (6) CADE Verification Form. (Contains 51 tables and 8 figures.)
- Published
- 2005
73. Paper and Process: How Youth Programs Manage Program Intake, Individual Service Strategy Development, and Case Files.
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Callahan, Jim and McLaughlin, Brenda
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This guide presents information and materials to help youth programs manage program intake, design an individual service strategy (ISS) as mandated in the Workforce Investment Act, and manage case files. The materials are based on information obtained from staff working in seven successful youth workforce investment programs in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Washington DC, and West Virginia. Section 1, which focuses on the intake process, discusses strategies for creating a user-friendly enrollment process (using customer checklists, staff tape recorders, and staggered intake sessions to streamline the enrollment process) and steps in designing an objective assessment process to review applicants' academic and occupational skills and identify their service needs. Section 2 presents guidelines for developing an ISS approach that identifies each applicant's employment goal, appropriate achievement objectives, and appropriate services to achieve those objectives. Specific guidelines for two approaches to the ISS process the compliance approach and the integrated case management approach--are outlined. Section 3 explains how to integrate paper and electronic files, organize case files, and ensure that files are accurate. The following items are appended: (1) program summaries; (2) sample forms and procedures from actual successful youth workforce development programs; and (3)descriptions of tools for assessing life skills, basic skills, occupational skills, and interests and aptitudes. (MN)
- Published
- 2002
74. Assessing Distance Learning Using a Website Survey. AIR 1999 Annual Forum Paper.
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Cartwright, David W., Thompson, Robert J., Poole, Max C., and Kester, Diane D.
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This paper describes efforts at East Carolina University (North Carolina) to develop a survey instrument and related procedures to assess distance learning courses. The survey was conducted during the 1998-99 academic year via the World Wide Web and combined the Student Opinion of Instruction Survey (SOIS) with additional questions that assessed the extent to which graduate-level distance education courses met Quality Assurance Standards for Distance Learning. This initial survey achieved a response rate of only 20 percent due to such factors as student's poor knowledge of the university's e-mail accounts, inadequate university help facilities, and time demands on respondents. However, the survey instrument itself proved successful in that all respondents answered all of the questions and none had negative comments about it. Modification of the survey and its re-administration in spring 1999 resulted in a 43 percent response rate, extensive comments, and general student satisfaction with distance education courses and the survey instrument. Findings highlight the difficulty of reaching distance education students with a Web-based survey, the complexity of developing an appropriate survey, and the need to address campus political problems in developing Web-based surveys. (DB)
- Published
- 1999
75. Does Early Intervention Make a Difference in Career Planning? How an Institutional Research Office Provided Answers without Implementing a New Survey. AIR 1999 Annual Forum Paper.
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Terkla, Dawn Geronimo, Armstrong, Kelli J., and Seifert, Mark E.
- Abstract
This paper describes an institutional research office's use of extensive senior survey data to examine indirectly the effectiveness of a career services early intervention program over a period of four years. The study compared responses on the senior survey by participants (N=200) in the sophomore career exploration seminar with responses of non-participants (N=4234). Analysis indicated that seminar participants were more likely than other students to be female, Asian, and liberal arts majors. All career service items listed on the senior questionnaire were utilized more heavily by the career seminar participants than by non-participants. This difference was most notable for participation in the individual career counseling services, walk-in hours, job search workshops, and use of internship listings. Additionally, seminar participants showed a higher level of satisfaction with these services than did the non-participant group. Participants were far more likely to give the services of the career center an "essential" rating compared to non-participants on an importance scale. Participants were more likely to have completed an internship than non-participants and also expressed higher ratings for their overall satisfaction with their undergraduate experience. (DB)
- Published
- 1999
76. Centrifugal Pump Reliability Improvement in the Pulp and Paper Industry.
- Author
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Shabane, Nontuthuko, Makhanya, Bheki B. S., and Pretorius, Jan-Harm
- Subjects
PAPER industry ,CENTRIFUGAL pumps ,PAPER mills ,MACHINE learning ,QUESTIONNAIRES - Abstract
South African pulp and paper mills have encountered frequent breakdowns of centrifugal pumps, resulting in considerable production losses. A case study was conducted to determine the factors contributing to these failures and devise ways to enhance pump reliability. Data were collected through questionnaires and operational records. The study revealed that inadequate maintenance, misalignment of pump components, lack of lubrication, improper baseplate installation, subpar sealing arrangements, inadequate design of the pumping system, and foreign materials entering the system were the primary causes of pump failure. To improve reliability, this study suggests employing machine learning methods to select the optimal maintenance strategy and provide internal maintenance personnel with training in condition monitoring systems. This will enable both pulp and paper mills and pump manufacturers to identify blind spots and improve the dependability of centrifugal pumps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
77. Regional Development, Innovation, Skill Needs and Training: A Pilot Study in the Shire of Gannawarra, Victoria. Working Paper No. 55
- Author
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Monash University, Centre for the Economics of Education and Training, Selby Smith, Chris, and Ferrier, Fran
- Abstract
This project, conducted by the Centre for the Economics of Education and Training (CEET) during 2003, set out to investigate the relationship between innovation and the provision of appropriate education and training in regional Australia. The project was designed as a pilot study with two main purposes: (1) To test whether and how the issues could be investigated, with the aim of using the findings as a basis for larger and more comprehensive studies in the future; and (2) To collect and analyse information about innovation and the provision of relevant education and training in some specific regions that would advance understanding of the major concerns and issues, both within the particular area and more generally in regional Australia. The Gannawarra Shire of northern Victoria was chosen for this pilot study because contacts made in the Shire indicated considerable support for investigating the issues and offered opportunities for access to local government, enterprises and training providers. Preliminary discussions and examination of published material also indicated substantial innovation in the region. The project comprised a search for sources of information about the Gannawarra region including geography, population, industries and employment; analysis of this material to gain an understanding of the major characteristics of the region; consultations with relevant people and organisations within and outside the region; and a survey of individuals and enterprises on the Gannawarra Business Register. Opportunities for presenting the preliminary and final survey results within the Shire to local enterprises and training providers enabled the findings to be discussed and contributed to ongoing refinement of the conclusions. Key findings include: (1) Considerable innovation is occurring in the industries and enterprises of Gannawarra, contributing to changes in the types of training being sought; (2) A balance of formal and informal provision of education and training in Gannawarra, although further investigation is recommended to determine that the balance is optimal to needs; and (3) Establishment of Local Learning and Employment Networks (LLENs) by the Victorian Government has been successful in strengthening relationships between educational providers, communities and industry in Gannawarra. Two attachments are included: (1) Regional Development, Skill Needs and Training Questionnaire; and (2) Initiatives of the LLENs in Gannawarra Shire. (Contains 10 figures and 40 tables.)
- Published
- 2004
78. The Effects of Accommodations on the Assessment of LEP Students in NAEP. Working Paper Series. Working Paper No. 2001-13
- Author
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National Center for Education Statistics (ED), Abedi, Jamal, Lord, Carol, Kim, Christy, and Miyoshi, Judy
- Abstract
This publication reports the results of a research study on the feasibility and validity of various accommodations in the context of mathematics assessment. The study compared limited English proficiency (LEP) and non-LEP students' scores on 20 science items under three different conditions: standard National Assessment for Educational Progress (NAEP) condition (no accommodation), customized dictionary, and glossary. The analyses provided clear results with respect to the performance levels of LEP/non-LEP students, the effectiveness of the accommodations for LEP students, and the validity of the accommodated assessment. It was found that some accommodations would actually benefit all students, while others are useful in removing barriers to participation of special-needs students. Appended are: (1) Follow-up Questionnaires for three groups: Control, Dictionary, Glossary; (2) Science Background Questionnaire; (3) Demographic Form; (4) Science Teacher Questionnaire; (5) Test Administrator Script; (6) Administrator Feedback Form; (7) Letter to the Principal; and (8) Multivariate ANOVA Results for Follow-Up Questions, Dictionary Booklet. (Contains 16 tables, 2 figures, and 2 footnotes.)
- Published
- 2001
79. Measures of Socio-Emotional Development in Middle Childhood. Working Paper No. 2001-03
- Author
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National Center for Education Statistics (ED), Office of Educational Research and Improvement (ED), Atkins-Burnett, Sally, and Meisels, Samuel J.
- Abstract
This paper will review several important constructs in the area of social and emotional development of children in grades 2-5. The importance of social and emotional development has become increasingly evident in light of new research on the brain and the development of programs to prevent social and behavioral disorders in youth. This review will draw upon aspects of several different literatures--children's social and emotional development, developmental psychopathology, resilience, and children's motivation for learning. Its purpose is to place in context a recommendation for a measure of socio-emotional development to be used with 8-10 year olds. Following this brief review, the authors will describe several direct measures that address the areas identified in the review.
- Published
- 2001
80. Selected Papers on Education Surveys: Papers Presented at the 1996 Meeting of the American Statistical Association. Working Paper Series.
- Author
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National Center for Education Statistics (ED), Washington, DC. and Kasprzyk, Dan
- Abstract
The 11 papers in this volume were presented at the 1996 American Statistical Association (ASA) meeting in Chicago (Illinois), August 4 through 8. This is the fourth collection of ASA papers of particular interest to users of National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) survey data published in the "Working Papers" series. The following are included: (1) "Teacher Quality and Educational Inequality" (Richard M. Ingersoll); (2) "Using Qualitative Methods To Validate Quantitative Survey Instruments" (John E. Mullens and Daniel Kasprzyk); (3) "Revisiting the NCES Private School Survey: A Method To Design a Systematic Classification of Private Schools in the United States" (Sylvia Kay Fisher and Daniel Kasprzyk); (4) "An Analysis of Response Rates of SASS (Schools and Staffing Survey) 1993-94" (Sameena M. Salvucci, Fan Zhang, Mingxiu Hu, and David Monaco); (5) "An Overview of NCES Surveys Reinterview Programs" (Valerie Conley, Steven Fink, and Mehrdad Saba); (6) "Estimating Response Bias in an Adult Education Survey" (J. Michael Brick and David Morganstein); (7) "Optimal Periodicity of a Survey: Extensions of Probable-Error Models" (Wray Smith, Dhiren Ghosh, and Michael Chang); (8) "Estimating the Variance in the Presence of Imputation Using a Residual" (Steven Kaufman); (9) "Where Will It All End? Some Alternative SASS Estimation Research Opportunities" (Steven Kaufman and Fritz Scheuren); (10) "Estimating State Totals from the Private School Universe Survey" (Easley Hoy, Beverley Causey, Leroy Bailey, and Steven Kaufman); and (11) "Effect of High School Programs on Out-Migration of Rural Graduates" (Gary Huang, Michael P. Cohen, Stanley Weng, and Fan Zhang). Each chapter contains references. (Contains 3 figures and 22 tables.) (SLD)
- Published
- 1997
81. Evaluation of the 1992 NALS Background Survey Questionnaire: An Analysis of Uses with Recommendations for Revisions. Working Paper Series.
- Author
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Education Statistics Services Inst., Washington, DC., Smith, M. Cecil, and Sheehan-Holt, Janet K.
- Abstract
A study focused on researchers' use of the English-Language Background Questionnaire (EBQ) portion of the National Adult Literacy Survey (NALS), the results of which were released in 1993. Data were gathered by surveying NALS data users about how they have used the EBQ data, their perspectives on the strengths and weaknesses of the EBQ, and their recommendations for changes to the EBQ. A content analysis was also conducted of published research papers that have involved analyses of the EBQ data to determine how the data were used in these research analyses. The study also drew upon recommendations garnered by a series of focus groups conducted by the American Institutes for Research in 1998. These sources were integrated with the study's own analysis of the NALS data. The following changes to the EBQ for future adult literacy assessments were recommended: expand the questions pertaining to educational experiences; expand the section on social and political participation or move the current items to other areas and delete this section; add an item on voter registration; acquire more detailed information regarding work history, wages, and parents' occupations; expand the section pertaining to literacy practices; and gather information on technological literacy practices. (Appendixes include 34 references; instruments; and studies examined for content review.) (YLB)
- Published
- 2000
82. A Comparison of Survey and Non-Survey Methods for Estimating County-Level Demand for Educational Attainment. Research Paper 2021.
- Author
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Christiadi and Loveridge, Scott
- Abstract
The Workforce Investment Act of 1998 shifts decision-making authority for funding of local job training programs from the federal government to state and local boards, which will need local decision-making tools to inform policy. One such tool is a method proposed by S. Goetz and D. Debertin to estimate demand for educational attainment at the county level utilizing nonlocal secondary data on employment patterns. The method focuses analysis on the demand of private businesses and makes possible a simple forecast of future demand. This paper estimates local demand for educational attainment in two West Virginia counties using the Goetz-Debertin (nonsurvey) method and compares results with those from a survey of local businesses. Two assumptions of the nonsurvey method are fixed proportions of occupations per sector and fixed proportions of educational attainment per occupation. Results indicate that differences in the distribution of businesses by size and by subsector across counties might affect final demand, but the nonsurvey method does not take this into account. Indications that proportions of input might change over time suggest that the nonsurvey method should use annual data sets such as the Current Population Survey. Conflicting with the nonsurvey method's second assumption is the finding that certain occupations in different sectors differ in demand for educational attainment. The study also found that the West Virginia counties' proportion of top-level occupations was substantially below national averages, suggesting underinvestment in education, and that businesses saw a real need for more computer training. (Contains 15 references, many data tables, and the business survey questionnaire.) (SV)
- Published
- 2000
83. Faculty Diversity and Regional Accreditation: Crucial Issues and a Survey of Academic Leaders. ASHE Annual Meeting Paper.
- Author
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Ezeamii, Hyacinth Chinedum
- Abstract
This paper studied the relationship between faculty diversity and educational quality, academic integrity, and institutional effectiveness. The study sought to determine if there were significant differences among educational leaders on whether regional accreditation should be used to promote faculty diversity, and what variables accounted for any significant differences that existed. The study used a survey questionnaire mailed to the chief academic officers of 346 four-year colleges and institutions in the Southern accrediting region; 160 responses were received. Eight variables were tested: race, sex, years in academia as an administrator, years as faculty, level of familiarity with accreditation, level of interest in accreditation literature, racial predominance of student body, and private-public institution type. The study found that race of respondent was the most significant factor in whether higher educational leaders believed that regional accreditation should be used to promote faculty diversity. Three tables summarize chi-square data: the first is a cross-tabulation testing the null hypothesis; the second tests the hypothesis against the variable race; the third is a test of the variable racial predominance of student body. (Contains 139 references.) (CH)
- Published
- 1996
84. Balancing Resources and Response Rates in Mailed Questionnaire Research: The Challenge of Conducting Successful Alumni Surveys While Containing Costs. AIR 1996 Annual Forum Paper.
- Author
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Ahson, Nancy L. and Gentemann, Karen M.
- Abstract
This paper describes empirically tested strategies for containing mailed questionnaire costs while maximizing survey response rates. Survey focus, critical to gaining respondent interest and completion of the survey instrument, should be selected on the basis of the theme of the study in order to reduce survey length and yield more in-depth and potentially useful information on selected topics. To help insure that the survey focus interests respondents, the appropriate study population should be carefully selected. Psychometric considerations should determine whether addressing a random sample or entire population is cost effective. Appearance and organization of the survey, as well as its form, style and presentation should be tailored to arouse the interest of the target group. The mailing process should include a premailing letter or phone call, an initial mailing, a postcard mailing, a second cover letter and replacement questionnaire, and a certified mailing or telephone follow-up. Two case studies revealing differential successes with variations to traditional survey research are reported and sample surveys are appended. (CK)
- Published
- 1996
85. Personality Matters: Relevance and Assessment of Personality Characteristics. OECD Education Working Papers, No. 157
- Author
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Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) (France) and Kankaraš, Miloš
- Abstract
Personality characteristics shape human behaviour and influence a wide range of life events and outcomes. They do so not only through their direct effects on life outcomes, but also through their indirect effects on other important personal factors and intermediate life events, such as the development of cognitive capacities, the attainment of educational qualifications and the formation of a family. As such, personality characteristics have a demonstrable relevance for a wide range of policy issues and represent an important, although often neglected, subject of policy interest. This paper reviews the scientific literature covering a wide range of personality characteristics, discussing their conceptualisations and main features, their relevance for important outcomes in life and work, and the chief ways they are measured. It aims to provide a comprehensive overview of various attributes of personality from the perspective of their potential importance for the Survey of Adult Skills (PIAAC), taking into account their analytical potential and policy relevance. The paper also outlines and evaluates the most important measurement instruments for each personality characteristic, with a focus on short self-report scales as the most appropriate form for inclusion in large-scale international surveys. Finally, it presents some considerations related to the evaluation and promotion of personality characteristics and introduces the substantive and measurement criteria that could be used to select the personality attributes, and related measurement scales, to include in large-scale surveys. Selected Personality Scales are appended.
- Published
- 2017
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
86. Using Participant Feedback To Evaluate and Improve Quality in Mediation. Briefing Paper.
- Author
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Consortium for Appropriate Dispute Resolution in Special Education (CADRE), Eugene, OR. and Hedeen, Timothy
- Abstract
This resource guide describes approaches to evaluating the mediation of special education conflicts, especially the use of participant questionnaires in evaluating mediation programs. Section 1 establishes the evaluation context and lists 10 action steps in the design and implementation of an evaluation plan. Section 2 addresses issues for consideration in the evaluation process, including: (1) the use of questionnaires for evaluating mediation; (2) accessibility of data collection formats for inclusion of diverse participants; (3) maintenance of confidentiality for participants, identification of key performance measures of mediation; and (4) guidelines for survey data analysis. A table identifies key performance areas and 2 to 5 key performance issues for each performance area. Section 3 offers a structured approach to evaluating mediation using the key performance areas and performance issues. Provided for each performance measure is a definition and brief discussion, a sample question related to the measure, and suggested strategies for improving the performance area. Performance areas (and sample performance issues) include the following: program efficiency (cost to participants); program effectiveness (outcomes of mediation); mediation process (appropriateness and usefulness); and mediator performance (skills of the mediator). Three appendices include a sample exit survey and a sample cover letter. (Contains 11 references.) (DB)
- Published
- 2002
87. The Measurement of Instructional Background Indicators: Cognitive Laboratory Investigations of the Responses of Fourth and Eighth Grade Students and Teachers to Questionnaire Items. Working Paper Series.
- Author
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National Center for Education Statistics (ED), Washington, DC., Levine, Roger, Huberman, Mette, and Buckner, Kathryn
- Abstract
Cognitive interviews were conducted with 12 teachers and 66 of their students to learn how to improve National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) questionnaire items asking about instructional practices and teacher development experiences. Items were purposively selected from those used in the 1996 and 1998 NAEP student and teacher background questionnaires in fourth grade reading, mathematics, and science, and eighth grade mathematics and science. NAEP items that were administered in analogous forms to teachers and their students were chosen, to facilitate validation, and items known or thought to be problematic were selected. Several general types of item problems were found: (1) behavioral frequency items; (2) time frame problems; (3) problems with response options; (4) comprehension problems; (5) problems with list format items (loss of content); (6) problems with check all that apply items; and (7) other problems and issues. The cognitive interviews, with validation components, enabled detection of many survey design problems and an understanding of the reasons for their occurrence so that these problems can be avoided in the development of future NAEP and other background survey items. (Contains 9 tables and 16 references.) (SLD)
- Published
- 2002
88. Fellowship Effects in Graduate Education: Evaluating the Impact of the National Science Foundation's Graduate Research Fellowship Program. ASHE Annual Meeting Paper.
- Author
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WestEd, Los Alamitos, CA., Goldsmith, Sharon S., and Presley, Jennifer B.
- Abstract
This report results from an evaluation of the National Research Foundation's Graduate Research Fellowship program. The study sought to determine: (1) whether NSF fellows show evidence of more timely degree completion and early career success; (2) whether graduate fellows and minority graduate fellows experience similar education and career success; and (3) whether the individual award aspect of the program enhanced the educational experience and career options of fellows. A 52-item survey questionnaire measured attendance patterns, completion rates, and time to degree of 9,035 NSF fellows who received first-year awards between 1979 and 1993. The study found positive effects on all three dimensions for female fellows and for recipients of minority graduate fellowships, suggesting a "signaling" effect both for individuals and their departments. The importance of the individual award aspect of the fellowships varied by discipline and by other sources of graduate funding support available in individual departments. Appended are seven data tables and illustrative graphics. (Contains 17 references.) (CH)
- Published
- 1999
89. College Activities and Environmental Factors Associated with the Development of Life-Long Learning Competencies of College Seniors. ASHE Annual Meeting Paper.
- Author
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Hayek, John C. and Kuh, George D.
- Abstract
This study examined college activities and environmental factors associated with the acquisition of continuous learning skills, looking at where students who report the greatest gains in continuous learning devote the most time and energy and at the student and institutional characteristics associated with above-average gains in the capacity for continuous learning. The sample for this study was composed of 17,541 college seniors attending four-year institutions who completed the College Student Experiences Questionnaire between 1994 and 1997. Four tentative conclusions were reached: (1) as a group, college seniors reported making substantial progress in areas important to continuous learning; (2) certain college activities and environmental factors appear to be important, including amount of effort students devote to classroom activities, amount of effort devoted to science and technology, and an institutional environment valuing critical, evaluative, and analytical performance; (3) gender differences suggest that men benefit most from peer engagement, while for women, involvement in athletic and recreational activities is important; and (4) some activities, such as participation in formal extracurricular activities, appear to contribute little to continuous learning competencies and skills. Nine tables summarize regression data. The questionnaire is appended. (Contains 36 references.) (CH)
- Published
- 1999
90. Collection of Resource and Expenditure Data on the Schools and Staffing Survey. Working Paper Series.
- Author
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American Institutes for Research in the Behavioral Sciences, Washington, DC., Isaacs, Julia B., Garet, Michael S., Sherman, Joel D., Cullen, Andrew, and Phelps, Richard
- Abstract
This report discusses the possibility of expanding the resource and finance data to be collected as part of the 1999-2000 Schools and Staffing Survey (SASS) of the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). The proposal under consideration, which is being field tested in the fall of 1998 and winter of 1999, has two major components. The first is to collect more detailed information about staffing resources in the schools included in the SASS sample. This information would improve understanding of how schools allocate personnel resources, which account for more than 85% of expenditures at most school sites. A review of the options suggests that the data needed to conduct Resource Cost Model analyses of U.S. schools can be collected through the SASS without much increase in the burden on respondents. The second component is to gather expenditure data for individual schools in the SASS sample to permit analysis of expenditures at the school level. The analysis shows that it is possible to collect information by NCES function and object categories and to collect school-level data across a diverse array of districts. A drawback is that an instrument of the complexity needed to meet these two purposes is difficult and time consuming for the respondent. The final section of the paper discusses linking the staffing and expenditure data. Appendixes contain information about the development of the surveys and copies of the public school and private school surveys. (Contains 19 exhibits.) (SLD)
- Published
- 1999
91. The Role of Institutional Research in Student Evaluations of Teaching. AIR 1998 Annual Forum Paper.
- Author
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Hall, Michelle and Baldwin, Beatrice
- Abstract
This paper examines the role played by an office of institutional research in developing a new student evaluation of teaching protocol. At Southeastern Louisiana University, a comprehensive 4-year public institution, the administration appointed a campus-wide committee to study the student evaluations of teaching and to make recommendations for improvement. Nine aspects of the process were examined, including the philosophy behind the evaluations; prior years' evaluations; computerized data reporting; confidentiality issues; administrative and personal use of results; whether or not evaluations were mandatory; and evaluation of nontraditional classes. In fall 1995 a new evaluation instrument was pilot-tested, refined, and administered to 43 class sections (n=l,100), following which interviews were conducted with five classes. Following distribution of pilot data, six faculty members were interviewed in depth. The final report was presented to the faculty committee charged with developing the final instrument, which was developed with the help of analyses provided by the institutional research department. In fall 1997, implementation of the student evaluations of teaching program was transferred to the institutional research office, thus ensuring continuing quality of the instrument. Appended are the pilot-test questionnaire, a response form, interview protocols, suggestions for evaluating pilot data, and copies of the current instrument. (CH)
- Published
- 1998
92. Graduate Student Support and the Graduate Education Experience. ASHE Annual Meeting Paper.
- Author
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Border, Charles B. and Barba, William C.
- Abstract
This study examined the relationship between the type, amount, and sequencing of institutional funding for graduate students and students' perceptions of the impact of such financial assistance in their persisting to the completion of degree requirements. A total of 295 Ph.D. recipients from the University of Buffalo in New York who received their degrees between 1975 and 1993 completed a 54-item questionnaire on the type of support received, the outcomes and experiences attributed to the graduate education experience, and opinions about those outcomes and experiences. It was found that financial support with a service commitment afforded graduate students the opportunity to have a much fuller graduate school experience. Students with a service requirement graduated sooner, had more traditional academic experiences during their graduate student careers, and felt that their graduate experiences as a whole were much richer than did students who received financial support without a service requirement. Eighty percent of the respondents reported that an assistantship or fellowship provided them with specific skills that they would not have obtained otherwise. Two appendixes contain a copy of the questionnaire and accompanying letter sent to prospective participants. (MDM)
- Published
- 1998
93. Using a Standing Poll Panel To Monitor the Pulse of the Campus. AIR 1992 Annual Forum Paper.
- Author
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Cash, R. William
- Abstract
This paper discusses the results of a randomly selected standing poll panel implemented at Saint Mary's College at Notre Dame, Indiana, called PRISM (Prompt Response to Improve Saint Mary's). PRISM is designed to quickly ascertain the attitudes and opinions of a panel of 120 college students. Sample topics of PRISM surveys have included campus communication, residence life, and safety and security issues. Student replies to PRISM questionnaires are considered confidential and are reported only in the aggregate. The paper discusses the development of the program and analyzes the results after three semesters of operation. Procedures for quickly constructing a survey, obtaining responses, and processing results are described. Results are provided to the senior officer group and to the appropriate administrative entity usually within 2 weeks of the survey's administration. Program evaluation results are presented, indicating that both college administrators and students appreciated the opportunity to utilize the panel as one of several methods of student-college communication. Recommendations for program improvement are offered. (GLR)
- Published
- 1992
94. Excellence in Higher Education as Defined by Legislators, and Public and Private Institutions Administrators. Phase Two. AIR 1992 Annual Forum Paper.
- Author
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Munoz, Grisel
- Abstract
This paper presents second phase research on the vision of Puerto Rico's higher education policy makers concerning excellence criteria. The research focused on the importance policy makers assigned to selected criteria of excellence and how they evaluated postsecondary institutions in regard to these criteria. A questionnaire was administered to 46 members of the Commissions on Education of the Puerto Rico Legislature, composed of the administrators and governing boards of the five major public and private postsecondary institutions in Puerto Rico and prominent academic figures. Among the findings were the following: (1) respondents ranked as important the excellence criteria concerning faculty and administrators, and believed that the institutions were accomplishing such criteria; (2) the most prominent excellence criteria were the academic preparation of faculty, the expertise of faculty, the administrators' dedication, entering students' general point average, and college entrance examination scores; (3) private institutions placed more importance on students' understanding of religious principles, while public institution respondents highlighted adequate services rendered by the Registrar's Office; and (4) compared to public institution respondents, private institution respondents indicated a higher degree of fulfillment in areas such as administrators' perspective regarding the future of higher education and their ability to establish relations with the external community. The paper also found that most respondents felt that Puperto Rico institutions were not complying with 64% of the indicators of excellence. (GLR)
- Published
- 1992
95. Using Surveys To Measure 'Value Added' in Skills in Four Faculties. Working Paper.
- Author
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York Univ., Toronto (Ontario). Inst. for Social Research. and Grayson, J. Paul
- Abstract
This study tested the amount of value added to critical and communication skills by the university experience using a strategy that compared the skills of entering and graduating students at York University (Ontario). The study involved, first, identifying skills that might be improved over the course of a university education; second, developing survey questions that measured skills for entering and graduating students at four faculties; and third, performing covariance analysis of survey results for entering and graduating students. Data were generated by three questionnaires, with response rates ranging from 55 to 58 percent for two surveys in the fall of 1995 to 58 percent one conducted in the summer of 1996. Eight tables detail skill categories and topics; list characteristics of survey respondents; correlate skills and grades for entering students, for graduating students, by gender, by ethnic origin, and by home language; and provide Z-scores to assess value added for entering and graduating students. Overall, graduating students were found to have better-developed skills than entering students. The paper also focuses on the rationale for the relatively cost-effective research design. (Contains 30 references.) (CH)
- Published
- 1997
96. Assessing Student Attitudes: Computer versus Pencil. AIR 1997 Annual Forum Paper.
- Author
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Antons, Christopher M., Dilla, Benjamin L., and Fultz, Miriam L.
- Abstract
This study compared results of measuring student attitudes regarding race, gender, and religious climate using pencil-and-paper administration in a group setting with computer-administrated measurement over a local area network. Approximately 2,000 U.S. Air Force Academy cadets in February 1996 and 1,400 in November 1996 were administered the Cadet Social Climate Survey. The survey instrument contained demographic questions, Likert-scaled items regarding attitudes about school climate issues, and questions about personal experiences. The instrument used in November was modified to include items from the Balanced Inventory of Desirable Responding. Computer administration took less time for a student to complete, could be done in the privacy of the student's room, was easier to administer, and provided a ready data set for analysis. The comparison showed a significantly higher rate of return of valid responses using the computer version and found no significant differences in the pattern of responses between the two versions. However, significant differences were found on socially desirable responding in that computer administration appeared to encourage a socially desirable response set, probably due to concerns regarding anonymity. (Contains 14 references.) (JLS)
- Published
- 1997
97. Smart Desktops for Teachers. ECS Issue Paper: Technology.
- Author
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Education Commission of the States, Denver, CO., Palaich, Robert M., Good, Dixie Griffin, and Stout, Connie
- Abstract
This report presents the results of a study of how emerging technologies can help educators deliver standards-based education to K-12 students. The first section of the report provides background on the new technology offerings and defines smart desktop systems. The second section lists critical questions for decisionmakers related to general policy, implementation issues, and vendor selection. The third section describes the components of a smart desktop system, including tools for standards, pedagogy/learning activities, resources, assessment and evaluation of student learning, professional development, classroom management, home-school connection, productivity, teacher education, local and global community, and grant writing. The fourth section describes vendor offerings in three categories: education portals/content providers; instruction/curriculum frameworks; and software manufacturers. The fifth section summarizes findings of an online survey of chief state school officers and organizations that provide smart desktop products/services related to audience, curriculum and teaching standards, instructional support, assessment of students, assessment of educators, professional development focus, professional development approach, access and reporting levels, data analysis, performance comparisons, World Wide Web-posted progress reports, Web-based delivery, implementation challenges, implementation-technical support, implementation challenges, teacher productivity tools, pricing models, hardware, and online tools. Tables of survey data, a copy of the questionnaire, a list of surveyed vendors, and scenarios of smart desktop applications are included. (MES)
- Published
- 2000
98. Dad Was a Terrible Hard Worker: The Influence of Family and School on Dublin's Men's Working Lives--Preliminary Findings. CLMS Working Paper.
- Author
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Goodwin, John
- Abstract
The influences that home, family, and education have on Irish men's experiences of working life are explored based on interviews and questionnaire research carried out in North Dublin during 1997 and 1998. A two-stage research design was adopted. The first stage involved a short attitudinal-type questionnaire given to men at a sporting club. The questionnaire contained biographical and attitudinal questions on work, home, politics, class, and education. One hundred fifty-six questionnaires out of 250 were returned. The second stage was an in-depth interview with 10 men, which consisted of more formal questions about the respondent's present occupation and/or current educational participation. The findings suggest the following: (1) men retain notions that men should be the heads of households, that outside work is more important for men, and domestic work is more important for women; (2) the men's fathers had a significant influence on their attitudes toward work; (3) the majority of the men agreed that education was important for success, but nearly half felt that success is based on whom one knows and most felt that school and education did not prepare them for work. (Contains 45 references and four appendixes, including survey questions.) (SLR)
- Published
- 2000
99. How the ARCS Was Done. NCSALL Occasional Paper
- Author
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National Center for the Study of Adult Learning and Literacy
- Abstract
The National Center for the Study of Adult Learning and Literacy (NCSALL) Adult Reading Components Study (ARCS) was the first large-scale attempt to describe the reading of students enrolled in adult basic education (ABE) and English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) using a battery of individually administered reading and language tests. From May 1998 to June 1999 nearly 1,000 adult learners were tested at over 30 learning centers in eight states. This report recounts in practical terms how Adult Reading Components Study was carried out. Organized chronologically, it covers the initial design of the test battery and questionnaire, piloting, site selection, interviewer training, preparation of materials, interaction with participating adult education centers, scheduling, interviewing, and the procedures used for scoring incoming data and entering it in the data base. Five recommendations are presented that could help to make or break future studies. The intended audience for this report includes individuals and groups who are considering carrying out similar research, such as US DOE agencies, university-based researchers, and state and local adult education officials. [The Adult Reading Components Study was funded by the US Department of Education Office of Educational Research and Improvement (OERI) and the Office for Vocational and adult Education (OVAE).]
- Published
- 2000
100. Reading Literacy in an International Perspective: Collected Papers from the IEA Reading Literacy Study.
- Author
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Westat, Inc., Rockville, MD., National Center for Education Statistics (ED), Washington, DC., Binkley, Marilyn, Binkley, Marilyn, Westat, Inc., Rockville, MD., and National Center for Education Statistics (ED), Washington, DC.
- Abstract
Presenting nine papers from the IEA (International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement) Reading Literacy Study that place results in an international perspective, this report address factors related to variation in literacy outcomes, both across and within countries; the teaching of reading; and the quality of life in schools. The nations focused on in the report are Denmark, Finland, France, the former West Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United States. Papers in the report are "Social Inequality, Social Segregation, and Their Relationship to Reading Literacy in 22 Countries" (Stephen W. Raudenbush and others); "A Nine-Country Study: What Were the Differences between the Low- and High-Performing Students in the IEA Reading Literacy Study?" (Karin Taube and Jan Mejding); "Reading Literacy among Immigrant Students in the United States and the Former West Germany" (Rainer Lehmann); "Comparison of Reading Literacy across Languages in Spanish Fourth Graders" (Guillermo A. Gil and others); "Teaching Reading in the United States and Finland" (Marilyn R. Binkley and Pirjo Linnakyla); "A Nine-Country Study: How Do Teachers Teach Reading to 9-Year-Olds?" (Emilie Barrier and Daniel Robin); "Consistencies in the Quality of School Life" (Trevor Williams and Stephen Roey); "Quality of School Life in the Finnish- and Swedish-Speaking Schools in Finland" (Pirjo Linnakyla and Viking Brunell); and "Analysis of the Williams and Batten Questionnaire on the Quality of School Life in Spain" (Guillermo A. Gil). (RS)
- Published
- 1996
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