83 results on '"Farris, Elizabeth"'
Search Results
2. Effects of Energy Needs and Expenditures on U.S. Public Schools. Statistical Analysis Report.
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National Center for Education Statistics (ED), Washington, DC., Smith, Timothy, Porch, Rebecca, Farris, Elizabeth, and Fowler, William
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This report provides national estimates on energy needs and expenditures of U.S. public school districts. The survey provides estimates of Fiscal Year (FY) 2000 energy expenditures, FY 2001 energy budgets and expenditures, and FY 2002 energy budgets; methods used to cover energy budget shortfalls in FY 2001; and possible reasons for those shortfalls. The survey also explored the cost-saving measures that school districts took in FY 2000, FY 2001, and FY 2002. Finally, the survey examined the extent to which the chief financial officer of the school district (or other district respondent) perceived the school district succeeded in reducing energy usage and cost per unit. The nationally representative sample of approximately 1,000 regular school districts was selected from the 19992000 Common Core of Data Local Education Agency Universe file. (EV)
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- 2003
3. Prekindergarten in U.S. Public Schools: 2000-2001. Statistical Analysis Report.
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National Center for Education Statistics (ED), Washington, DC., Smith, Timothy, Kleiner, Anne, Parsad, Basmat, Farris, Elizabeth, and Greene, Bernard
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As part of its congressional mandate to collect, analyze, and report statistics on the condition of education in the United States, the National Center for Education Statistics conducted the Survey of Classes That Serve Children Prior to Kindergarten in Public Schools, the first national data collection focused exclusively on prekindergarten classes, including special education, offered by U.S. public elementary schools. The survey study provides basic information on prekindergarten enrollment and more detailed information on student and class characteristics. Participating in the study were 1,843 public elementary schools, and questionnaires were completed by school staff members most knowledgeable about the prekindergarten program. This report presents information about general and special education prekindergarten classes in public elementary schools in 2000-2001. The report is organized into chapters reflecting the major topics addressed in the questionnaire. Chapter 1 presents definitional issues, describes prekindergarten programs, and summarizes the study. Chapter 2 highlights the characteristics of public schools that offer prekindergarten classes. Chapter 3 describes the children who were enrolled in those public school classes. Chapter 4 details characteristics of the public school prekindergarten classes, including information on the number of classes offered, the class schedule, and the number of children enrolled in each type of class. Chapter 5 reports on the number of public school prekindergarten teachers and their credentials and salaries. Chapter 6 describes the student support services that public school prekindergarten children received. Chapter 7 describes funding sources for public school prekindergarten classes. The concluding chapter summarizes the findings of the study. Three appendices include the survey methodology, standard error tables, and the survey questionnaire. (Contains 26 references.) (KB)
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- 2003
4. Programs for Adults in Public Library Outlets. Statistical Analysis Report.
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National Center for Education Statistics (ED), Washington, DC., Westat, Inc., Rockville, MD., Lewis, Laurie, and Farris, Elizabeth
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This report provides data on programs for adults in public library outlets, based on a survey conducted in Fall 2000 by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), U.S. Department of Education (ED). The results are based on questionnaire data for 954 public library outlets in the United States. Responses were weighted to produce national estimates that represent all public library outlets in the United States. Chapter 2 presents information about adult literacy program offerings at public library outlets, including the types of literacy programs offered and the groups for which adult literacy programs are specifically offered. Information is also provided about reasons library outlets do not offer adult literacy programs. Chapter 3 reports on the types of adult lifelong learning programs offered by public library outlets, the groups for which such programs are specifically offered, and barriers to providing lifelong learning programs for adults with learning and/or physical disabilities. Chapter 4 provides information about the extent of Internet access for adults in public library outlets and barriers to providing Internet access. The concluding chapter summarizes the findings of this study. Technical information, including a detailed study methodology discussion and tables of standard errors for all data presented in this report are included in two appendices. A third appendix presents the questionnaire. Includes ten tables and three figures. (AEF)
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- 2002
5. Internet Access in U.S. Public Schools and Classrooms: 1994-2001. E.D. Tabs.
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National Center for Education Statistics (ED), Washington, DC., Westat, Inc., Rockville, MD., Kleiner, Anne, and Farris, Elizabeth
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Since 1994, the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) has surveyed public schools to estimate access to information technology in schools and classrooms. In the fall of each academic year, anew nationally representative sample of approximately 1,000 public schools has been surveyed about Internet access and Internet-related topics. This survey was conducted by NCES using the Fast Response Survey System (FRSS). FRSS is designed to administer short, focused, issue-oriented surveys that require minimal burden on respondents and have a quick turnaround from data collection to reporting. Questionnaires for this survey were mailed to a representative sample of 1,209 public schools in the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Data have been weighted to yield national estimates. This report presents key findings from the survey "Internet Access in U.S. Public Schools, Fall 2001." For selected topics, data from previous FRSS Internet surveys are presented as well. The findings are organized as follows: school connectivity; students and computer access; operating systems, memory capacity, and disk space; special hardware and software for students with disabilities; the Internet as a way to communicate with parents and students; and technologies and procedures to prevent student access to inappropriate material on the Internet. Detailed information about the survey methodology is provided in Appendix A, and the questionnaire is found in Appendix B. (Contains 11 references and 41 tables.) (AEF)
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- 2002
6. Public Alternative Schools and Programs for Students at Risk of Education Failure: 2000-01. Statistical Analysis Report.
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National Center for Education Statistics (ED), Washington, DC., Westat, Inc., Rockville, MD., Kleiner, Brian, Porch, Rebecca, and Farris, Elizabeth
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The 2001 District Survey of Alternative Schools and Programs is a national study of public alternative schools and programs for students at risk of educational failure. It provides data on topics related to the availability of public alternative schools and programs, enrollment, staffing, and services for students. This report is based on questionnaire data from a nationally representative sample of 1,534 public school districts. Overall, 39 percent of public school districts administered at least one alternative school or program for at-risk students during the 2000-01 school year. Nearly 60 percent of these schools and programs were housed in separate facilities. About 12 percent of all students in these schools and programs were special education students with Individualized Education Programs. Student enrollment in public alternative schools and programs was highly fluid, with students removed from and returned to regular schools on an individual and daily basis. The most likely reasons for determining eligibility to return to regular school were improved attitude or behavior and student motivation to return. Most districts with alternative schools and programs hired teachers specifically to teach in them. The type of collaboration most widely reported by districts with alternative schools and programs was with the juvenile justice system. (Contains 4 figures, 14 tables, and 15 references.) (SM)
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- 2002
7. Arts Education in Public Elementary and Secondary Schools: 1999-2000. Statistical Analysis Report.
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National Center for Education Statistics (ED), Washington, DC., Mathematica Policy Research, Washington, DC., Westat, Inc., Rockville, MD., Carey, Nancy, Kleiner, Brian, Porch, Rebecca, and Farris, Elizabeth
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This report provides a national profile of the status of arts education in the nation's public schools during the 1999-2000 school year. The National Endowment for the Arts, the Office of Educational Research and Improvement (OERI), and the Office of Reform Assistance and Dissemination (ORAD) of OERI requested that the surveys reported in this document be conducted under the Fast Response Survey System (FRSS) of the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). The report presents information on the characteristics of public elementary and secondary school arts education programs, including data on the availability of instruction in the arts, staffing, funding, supplemental programs and activities, and administrative support of arts education. It is based on data collected from elementary principals (n=640) and secondary principals (n=686) and from elementary arts specialists (music specialists (n=453) and visual arts specialists (n=331)) and classroom teachers (n=497). The report states that in the 1999-2000 academic year, music instruction and visual arts instruction were available in most of the nation's public elementary schools (94% and 87% respectively); dance and drama/theater were available in less than one-third of elementary schools (20% and 19% respectively). It also finds that overall, 72% of elementary schools offering music and 55% of elementary schools offering visual arts employed full-time specialists to teach these subjects, while full-time specialists in dance were employed by 24% of elementary schools offering it and full-time drama/theater specialists were employed by 16% of elementary schools offering it. The report states that the percentage of elementary schools with dedicated rooms for the arts varied greatly. It finds that music and visual arts instruction were offered in most of the nation's public secondary schools (90% and 93% respectively), while dance and drama/theater were offered less frequently (14% and 48% respectively). Appended are: Survey Methodology; Tables of Standard Errors; and Survey Questionnaires. (Contains 55 text tables, 26 text figures, and 14 references.) (BT)
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- 2002
8. Features of Occupational Programs at the Secondary and Postsecondary Education Levels. Statistical Analysis Report.
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National Center for Education Statistics (ED), Washington, DC., Phelps, Richard P., Parsad, Basmat, and Farris, Elizabeth
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Two Spring 1999 surveys collected data weighted to provide national estimates of occupational program activities. Respondents in public secondary schools (SSs) were asked about program activities for 28 selected occupations within 6 broad occupational areas; those in less than four-year postsecondary institutions (PIs) were asked about activities for 32 selected occupations in the same 6 occupational areas. A majority of SSs and 90 percent of PIs offered at least one occupational program. Respondents of both surveys indicated that procedures for ensuring a match between course content and occupational skill requirements were used. Most SSs and PIs had developed or adopted skill competency lists. The most commonly used vocational completer criterion for SSs was passage of specific vocational courses. PIs offered a variety of educational or occupational credentials. (The 29-page report presents selected highlights from the 29 tables in narrative form and in 13 figures. Tables 1 and 2 present data for both surveys; tables 3-19 present data from the SS survey; and tables 20-29 show data from the PI survey. Every table, except Table 1, is presented as part of a pair. For each pair, the first page or pages are tables of counts and percentages of schools or institutions listed for certain program or sample characteristics followed by tables of the standard errors associated with those counts and percentages. Appendixes consist of a methodology section and survey instruments.) (YLB)
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- 2001
9. Teacher Preparation and Professional Development: 2000. E.D. Tabs.
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National Center for Education Statistics (ED), Washington, DC., Parsad, Basmat, Lewis, Laurie, and Farris, Elizabeth
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In 2000, researchers conducted surveys on teacher preparation and qualifications, measuring change since 1998. Respondents were 5,253 K-12 teachers nationwide. The survey repeated some indicators of teacher quality examined in 1998 and explored new issues. Virtually all teachers held bachelor's degrees, and nearly half held master's degrees. Teachers were more likely to have participated in professional development emphasizing state or district curriculum and performance standards. For all but one content area of professional development, teachers reported having spent 1-8 hours on the activity during the preceding 12 months. Number of hours spent in professional development related to extent to which teachers believed that participation improved their teaching. Collaboration with other teachers was the most frequent collaborative activity. Over 60 percent of teachers felt very well prepared to meet the overall demands of teaching. They most often reported feeling very well prepared to maintain order and discipline in the classroom. The proportion of teachers participating in professional development was lower in 2000 than 1998 for three of seven content areas. For most classroom activities, teachers in 2000 were more likely than teachers in 1998 to report feeling very well prepared. Appended are research methodology, technical notes, and the survey instrument. (SM)
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- 2001
10. Teacher Preparation and Professional Development: 2000. E.D. Tabs. NCES 2001-088
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National Center for Education Statistics (ED), Parsad, Basmat, Lewis, Laurie, and Farris, Elizabeth
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Concerns about the quality of the nation's public education system have drawn attention to key elements of teacher effectiveness (Darling-Hammond 2000; Lewis et al. 1999; Mayer, Mullens, and Moore 2001; National Commission on Teaching and America's Future 1996). While there is little consensus on what constitutes high-quality teachers, past research has emphasized two broad dimensions of teacher effectiveness: (1) the level of knowledge and skills that teachers bring to the classroom, as measured by teacher preparation and qualifications, and (2) classroom practices. In 1998, the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) conducted a survey to provide a national profile on the first dimension of teacher quality--teacher preparation and qualifications (Lewis et al. 1999). In 2000, NCES conducted a second survey on Teacher Professional Development and Training to revisit the issue of teacher preparation and qualifications and measure change since 1998. The 2000 survey repeated key indicators of teacher quality examined in the 1998 survey, in addition to exploring issues such as follow up to professional development. This survey was designed to provide a national profile of all public school teachers and examines three indicators of teacher quality: (1) teacher education; (2) teacher participation in formal professional development and collaborative activities related to teaching; and (3) teachers' feelings of preparedness for various classroom demands. In addition to presenting current findings on teacher professional development and training from the 2000 survey, this report makes comparisons with the 1998 data. The 2000 survey was conducted by NCES using the Fast Response Survey System (FRSS). The FRSS is a survey system designed to collect small amounts of issue-oriented data with minimal burden on the respondents and disseminate findings within a relatively short time period. Questionnaires were mailed to a nationally representative sample of 5,253 public school teachers in the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Data have been weighted to yield national estimates. In addition to national estimates, selected survey findings are presented by the following teacher and school characteristics: (1) Teachers' years of teaching experience (3 or fewer years, 4 to 9 years, 10 or more years); (2) School instructional level (elementary, middle, secondary, combined); (3) School enrollment size (less than 500, 500 to 999, 1,000 or more); (4) School locale (central city, urban fringe/large town, rural/small town); (5) Percent minority enrollment in the school (5 percent or less, 6 to 20 percent, 21 to 50 percent, more than 50 percent); and (6) Percent of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch (less than 35 percent, 35 to 49 percent, 50 to 74 percent, 75 percent or more). Two appendices present: (1) Methodology and Technical Notes; and (2) Survey Instrument.
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- 2001
11. Internet Access in U.S. Public Schools and Classrooms: 1994-2000. Statistics in Brief.
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National Center for Education Statistics (ED), Washington, DC., Cattagni, Anne, and Farris, Elizabeth
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Since 1994, the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) has surveyed public schools to measure what proportion of them is connected to the Internet. In the fall of each academic year, a new nationally representative sample of approximately 1,000 public schools has been surveyed about Internet access and, since 1996, about the types of Internet connections used. In 2000, questions were also asked about access to the Internet at times outside of regular school hours and on acceptable use policies. By the fall of 2000, almost all public schools in the United States had access to the Internet: 98% were connected. In comparison, 35% of public schools had access to the Internet in 1994. The increase in Internet access over the years may have been aided by the allocation of funds through the Education rate (E-rate) program. Another key measure of Internet access in schools is the proportion of instructional rooms connected to the Internet; this percentage increased between 1999 and 2000. The ratio of students to instructional computers in public school had decreased to 5 to 1, the ratio that many experts consider a "reasonable level" for effective use. The ratio of student to instructional computers with Internet access in public schools improved from 9 to 1 in 1999 to 7 to 1 in 2000. In 1996, dial-up Internet connections were used by almost three-fourths (74%) of public schools having Internet access; by 2000, schools tended to use faster dedicated-line Internet connections. In 2000, 54% of public schools with access to the Internet reported that computers with Internet access were available to students outside of regular school hours. Almost all public schools with Internet access had acceptable use policies in 2000, and used various technologies or procedures, such as blocking or filtering software, an intranet system, honor codes for students, or teacher/staff monitoring to control student access to inappropriate material on the Internet. An appendix contains standard error tables. (AEF)
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- 2001
12. Advanced Telecommunications in U.S. Private Schools: 1998-99. Statistical Analysis Report.
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National Center for Education Statistics (ED), Washington, DC., Parsad, Basmat, Skinner, Rebecca, and Farris, Elizabeth
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In fall 1995, the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) conducted a survey of advanced telecommunications in private schools to provide baseline data on computer and Internet availability, and allow for comparisons with public schools. To revisit the issue of computer and Internet availability in private schools and measure changes since 1995, NCES, through its Fast Response Survey System, administered a second nationally representative survey of advanced telecommunications in private schools during the 1998-99 school year. Specifically, the 1998-99 survey focused on: computer and Internet availability, including the extent to which those resources were available for instruction; selected issues in the use of computers and the Internet, including instructional use of those resources, provision of teacher training, technical support for advanced telecommunications use, and barriers to the acquisition and use of advanced telecommunications; and the E-rate program and other external support for advanced telecommunications in schools. Findings show an increase in computer and Internet availability in private schools since the survey was first conducted in 1995. However, compared to public schools, private schools reported more students per instructional computer with Internet access, they were less likely to be connected to the Internet, and they reported proportionately fewer instructional rooms with Internet access. Data on the use of advanced telecommunications indicate that 45 percent of all private school teachers regularly used computers and/or advanced telecommunications for teaching in 1998-99, and almost two-thirds of all private schools offered or participated in some type of advanced telecommunications training for teachers. Relatively few private schools reported support for advanced telecommunications from the E-rate program. (Includes an index of tables.) (AEF)
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- 2001
13. Condition of America's Public School Facilities, 1999. Statistical Analysis Report.
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National Center for Education Statistics (ED), Washington, DC., Lewis, Laurie, Snow, Kyle, and Farris, Elizabeth
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This report provides national data for 903 U.S. public elementary and secondary schools on the condition of public schools in 1999 and the costs to bring them into good condition. Additionally provided are school plans for repairs, renovations, and replacements; data on the age of public schools; and overcrowding and practices used to address overcrowding. Among the findings are: about a quarter of the schools reported at least one type of onsite building in less than adequate condition; half reported at least one building feature in less than adequate condition; and about 4 out of 10 reported at least one unsatisfactory environmental condition. Data also suggest that the oldest schools are most in need of attention but that many of these schools do not have plans for improvement. About three-quarters of public schools do not have problems with overcrowding, but nearly 10 percent have enrollments that are more than 25 percent greater than the capacity of their permanent buildings. Appendices provide survey methodology, tables of standard errors, and the survey questionnaire. (Contains 34 references.) (GR)
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- 2000
14. Nutrition Education in Public Elementary School Classrooms, K-5. Statistical Analysis Report.
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National Center for Education Statistics (ED), Washington, DC., Celebuski, Carin, and Farris, Elizabeth
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This report presents findings from the survey, Nutrition Education in U.S. Public Schools, Elementary Teacher Survey, K-5, which followed a federal initiative to improve the quantity and quality of nutrition education in public elementary classrooms. Survey results indicated that 52 percent of elementary teachers had formal training to teach about nutrition. Most teachers reported high availability of resources to support nutrition education (e.g., healthy cafeteria meals, reference materials, support for use of instructional time, and written policies or guidelines). Most reported that they taught lessons to their students about nutrition. About one-third of those who taught nutrition taught it as a separate subject, and about one-third integrated nutrition lessons into other subjects. The mean number of hours teachers spent on nutrition education in a school year was 13. Teachers used active learning strategies and did not rely on traditional lecturing methods. About one in four teachers reported their instructional materials were of high quality. Teachers with higher levels of support from their schools, and teachers with college training on nutrition education utilized family involvement strategies more often. Three appendixes provide survey methodology and data reliability, tables of standard errors, and the survey form. (SM)
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- 2000
15. Occupational Programs and the Use of Skill Competencies at the Secondary and Postsecondary Levels, 1999. E.D. Tab.
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Westat, Inc., Rockville, MD., Parsad, Basmat, and Farris, Elizabeth
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This document presents information from and about two 1999 surveys conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics: "Vocational Programs in Secondary Schools" and "Occupational Programs in Postsecondary Education Institutions." The first 25% of the document consists of an introduction and selected findings. The introduction provides overviews of the various policy initiatives that have intensified the push for standards and accountability in occupational education and the methods and assumptions underlying the two surveys. The selected findings focus on the following three areas: (1) use of skill competencies (large proportions of secondary and postsecondary schools had developed or adopted skill competency lists for some or all of their programs); (2) industry input in skill competency development (substantial proportions of secondary and postsecondary institutions had at least some industry input in developing skill competency lists); and (3) skill certificates and industry-related credentials (half of secondary schools and most postsecondary institutions offering one or more occupational programs reported that at least one of their programs prepared students to earn skill certificates or work toward industry-related credentials). The remainder of the document contains 35 tables summarizing the study findings and three appendixes that include the following: methodology and technical notes; and survey instruments examining vocational programs in secondary and postsecondary schools. (MN)
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- 2000
16. Title I Migrant Education Program Summer Term Projects, 1998. Statistical Analysis Report.
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National Center for Education Statistics (ED), Washington, DC., Parsad, Basmat, Heaviside, Sheila, Williams, Catrina, and Farris, Elizabeth
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Summer-term projects are an important component of the federal Migrant Education Program (MEP), legislated under Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. In 1998, a nationally representative survey of MEP summer projects examined project characteristics, types of instructional and support services offered, and the projects' student records systems. About 1,700 MEP summer-term projects operated for an average of 6 weeks in 1998, serving about 262,000 migrant students. The majority of projects enrolled less than 100 students, served students of all ages, and were located in rural areas. About a third of projects and half of the students served were located in California or Texas. States provided various types of technical assistance to the projects. Almost all projects provided reading instruction; over two-thirds offered math or science instruction or bilingual education. Many projects also offered social science instruction, preschool education, special education, or high school equivalency instruction. The most common support services provided by projects were home-school liaison, transportation, and meals. Projects were less likely to provide medical or dental services, counseling, clothing, or day care. Data were also gathered on student records availability and project practices for creating, updating, and transmitting student records. Appendices present sample methodology, data reliability, definitions, detailed statistical data tables, and the survey questionnaire. (Contains 12 tables and 13 figures.) (Author/SV)
- Published
- 2000
17. Distance Education at Postsecondary Education Institutions, 1997-98. Statistical Analysis Report.
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Westat, Inc., Rockville, MD., American Institutes for Research, Washington, DC., National Center for Education Statistics (ED), Washington, DC., Lewis, Laurie, Snow, Kyle, and Farris, Elizabeth
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This report presents findings from the second national survey of distance education undertaken by the National Center for Education Statistics. The survey covers the 12-month 1997-98 academic year and includes data for higher education institutions as well as all 2-year and 4-year postsecondary institutions. Highlights of the report include the following: distance education is becoming an increasingly visible feature of postsecondary education, primarily at public institutions, with an estimated 54,470 different courses offered; 8 percent of all 2-year and 4-year institutions offer degree or certificate programs designed to be completed totally through distance education; most institutions offering distance education use several types of video and Internet-based technologies; about three-quarters of institutions offering distance education charge the same tuition for these courses as for comparable on-campus courses; and between fall 1995 and 1997-98 the percentage of higher education institutions offering distance education courses increased from 33 to 44 percent. The first chapter of the report is an overview; following chapters review institutions and enrollments, course offerings and enrollments, degree and certificate programs, distance education technologies, tuition and fees, changes in distance education since 1994-95, and present conclusions. Appended are survey methodology, tables of standard errors, and the survey questionnaire. (CH)
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- 1999
18. An Institutional Perspective on Students with Disabilities in Postsecondary Education. Statistical Analysis Report.
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Westat, Inc., Rockville, MD., Lewis, Laurie, and Farris, Elizabeth
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This report discusses the outcomes of a survey of 2-year and 4-year postsecondary education institutions (n=5,040) about students with disabilities. It includes information about enrollment of postsecondary students with disabilities and support services and accommodations. Results found: (1) an estimated 428,280 students with disabilities were enrolled at 2-year and 4-year postsecondary educational institutions in 1996-97 or 1997-98; (2) learning disability was the most frequent disability with almost half of the students with disabilities in this category; (3) 72 percent of the institutions enrolled students with disabilities; (4) almost all of the institutions that enrolled students with disabilities (98 percent) had provided at least one support service or accommodation, with most providing alternative examination formats or additional time; (5) public institutions were more likely than private institutions to have provided a service or accommodation; (6) almost all (95 percent) of the institutions provided at least one kind of educational material or activity for faculty and staff designed to assist them in working with students with disabilities; and (7) 28 percent of the institutions indicated that their counts of students with disabilities include only those students to whom services or accommodations were provided. Appendices include the survey questionnaire and tables of standard errors. (CR)
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- 1999
19. Status of Education Reform in Public Elementary and Secondary Schools: Teachers' Perspectives. Statistical Analysis Report.
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Westat, Inc., Rockville, MD., Alexander, Debbie, Heaviside, Sheila, and Farris, Elizabeth
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This volume examines education-reform efforts in U.S. public schools. The report, which focuses on higher standards for student achievement, is based on two nation-wide studies: the Public School Teacher Survey on Education Reform and the Public School Survey on Education Reform. The survey included questions on teachers' understanding of higher standards for student achievement; how prepared teachers feel to set or apply new higher standards of achievement for their students; and the extent to which teachers are implementing reform activities. Survey findings are presented throughout the report in aggregates for all schools; where significant differences were found, they are presented by school characteristics. Among the findings, 42 percent of elementary and secondary public school teachers reported understanding the concept of new higher standards for student achievement very well, and 35 percent said they felt very well equipped to set or apply new higher standards for their students; two activities associated with education reform were frequently cited by teachers as being incorporated into their classes to a great extent; and instructional strategies were aligned with high standards to help all students succeed. Three appendices present the survey methodology, reference and standard error tables, and the survey form. (RJM)
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- 1999
20. American Indians and Alaska Natives in Postsecondary Education. Technical Report.
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Westat, Inc., Rockville, MD., Mathematica Policy Research, Inc., Plainsboro, NJ., Washington State Univ., Pullman., Pennsylvania State Univ., University Park., Montana State Univ., Bozeman., Pavel, D. Michael, Skinner, Rebecca Rak, and Farris, Elizabeth
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This sourcebook is a comprehensive compilation of data on American Indian and Alaska Native participation in higher education, primarily 4-year and 2-year universities and colleges, including tribal colleges. Data cover undergraduate students, graduate students, and faculty, as well as student outcomes following graduation. Data sources include the National Center for Education Statistics, the Bureau of the Census, and various published surveys and reports. The introduction explains terminology, data limitations, and structure of the sourcebook. Chapters cover: (1) American Indian and Alaska Native demography and a historical overview of Native American postsecondary education in the United States; (2) Native American access to higher education in terms of high school performance and graduation, scores on college entrance examinations, and student risk factors; (3) Native postsecondary enrollment, 1976-94, (by institution level and control and student sex, attendance status, degree level, major field of study, institution, and state), as well as student persistence and graduation rates; (4) degree completions, characteristics of degree recipients, and institutions awarding the largest number of degrees to Native Americans; (5) receipt and use of student financial aid; (6) American Indian and Alaska Native college faculty and staff, salaries, tenure, and distribution; and (7) historical overview and highlights of each of the 30 tribal colleges. Many data tables and figures are included. Appendices contain 80 references, supplemental data tables for the first six chapters, standard error tables, a glossary and list of acronyms, and over 200 additional sources of information. (SV)
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- 1998
21. State Survey on Racial and Ethnic Classifications. Statistical Analysis Report.
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Westat, Inc., Rockville, MD., Carey, Nancy, Rowand, Cassandra, and Farris, Elizabeth
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The State Survey on Racial and Ethnic Classifications was conducted for the National Center for Education Statistics and the Office for Civil Rights in the U.S. Department of Education as part of the research associated with the comprehensive review of an Office of Management and Budget (OMB) directive on race and ethnic standards for federal statistics and administrative reporting. The survey was conducted to provide information for OMB about the quality and utility of the data collected by state departments of education using the five standard federal categories of race and ethnicity in use at that time. The issues examined in this report include: (1) the use of classifications that differ from those five standard categories (White, nonHispanic; Black, nonHispanic; Hispanic; Asian or Pacific Islander; American Indian or Alaskan Native): (2) the impetus for making changes to classification categories; (3) the types and origins of complaints received about the categories; and (4) the effect of possible changes on the collection, maintenance, and reporting of trend data. The survey was conducted as a telephone interview with a representative in each state (except Hawaii) in February 1997. Eight states reported using categories other than the five standard categories. Five states reported using a "multiracial" category, while two use an "other," one uses "Filipino," and one separates American Indians and Alaskan Natives. Complaints from parents and school districts were the main reasons given by states for modifying or considering modifications to the federal categories. Adding a multiracial category was the most frequently requested change. Three states reported that they were considering making changes to the categories, but the remaining states and the District of Columbia had not made any changes and reported none under consideration. Appendixes contain a discussion of the survey methodology and copies of the survey protocols. (Contains 12 tables.) (SLD)
- Published
- 1998
22. Status of Education Reform in Public Elementary and Secondary Schools: Principals' Perspectives. Statistical Analysis Report.
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Westat, Inc., Rockville, MD., Celebuski, Carin, and Farris, Elizabeth
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A recent study asked nationally representative samples of public school principals and teachers about their use of content and performance standards and other reform strategies, ties between the home and school, Title I's role in supporting reform, and the information they needed to proceed with reforms. This report presents findings of the principal survey, which had 1,216 respondents. Fully 78 percent of principals reported their schools used content standards to a moderate or great extent to guide curriculum and instruction in all four core subjects. About 10 percent indicated their schools were implementing all 10 comprehensive reform strategies. At least 40 percent of respondents needed more information on using innovative technologies, professional development linked to standards, and parental involvement activities. Barriers to achieving high standards included diverse student populations, high student mobility, inadequate parent involvement, and inadequate student assessments. Half the principals preferred to receive information on reforms through institutes or workshops. Principals of Title I-funded schools and those without such funding had similar familiarity with and implementation of comprehensive reforms. Included are survey highlights, a summary, and appendices containing methodologies, tables, and the survey form. (MLH)
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- 1998
23. Parent Involvement in Children's Education: Efforts by Public Elementary Schools. National Center for Education Statistics Statistical Analysis Report.
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Westat, Inc., Rockville, MD., Carey, Nancy, Lewis, Laurie, and Farris, Elizabeth
- Abstract
In response to the National Education Goals panel's recognition of the role that parents can have in children's learning and school performance, the "Survey on Family and School Partnerships in Public Schools K-8" was conducted to determine the ways schools are engaging parents in their children's education and the extent to which parents are responding to those involvement opportunities. Questionnaires were sent to a nationally representative sample of 900 public schools enrolling kindergarten through eigth grade students. The survey looked at the kinds of school-home communication schools establish, kinds of activities schools sponsor, kinds of volunteer activities schools make available, the extent to which parents are included in school decision making, and other factors that influence school efforts to increase parent involvement. Among the findings highlighted are the following: (1) most schools initiated communications with parents to inform them about school curricula and student performance; (2) most schools provided parents with information designed to promote learning at home and on topics related to child-rearing issues; (3) the majority of schools held various activities, such as parent conferences and academic exhibitions, intended to encourage parent involvement; (5) parents were more likely to attend events that featured some interaction with the students' teachers; (6) parent attendance at school-sponsored events varied by geographic region, poverty concentration, and minority enrollment; (7) in general, schools do not include parents in very much school decision making; (8) the majority of schools provided parents opportunities to volunteer both inside and outside the classroom, to assist in fundraising and attend PTA meetings, though the percentage of schools satisfied with the degree of parent participation in these activities decreased as minority and poor student enrollment increased; and (9) lack of time on the part of parents was most often named as the greatest barrier impeding parent involvement. (Three appendices include survey methodology and data reliability and the survey form.) (HTH)
- Published
- 1998
24. Distance Education in Higher Education. Statistical Analysis Report. Postsecondary Education Quick Information System.
- Author
-
Westat, Inc., Rockville, MD., Lewis, Laurie, Farris, Elizabeth, and Alexander, Debbie
- Abstract
This 1995 federal survey designed to provide the first nationally representative data about higher education distance education course offerings. Data were collected in fall 1995 from 2-year and 4-year higher education institutions and were weighted to provide national estimates. The study includes information about the percentage of institutions that offer or plan to offer distance education courses in the next three years; course offerings, including the types of technologies used to deliver distance education and the sites to which such courses are directed; enrollments and completions; characteristics of distance education courses and programs; program goals; future plans; and factors inhibiting distance education programs. Among the results reported by the survey were the following: one- third of higher education institutions offered distance education courses, and an estimated 25,730 courses were offered; approximately 753,640 students were formally enrolled in distance education courses in academic year 1994-95; public 2-year institutions accounted for 55 percent, public 4-year institutions for 31 percent, and private 4-year institutions for 14 percent of the students enrolled in distance education; about 25 percent of the institutions offered degrees that could be completed through taking distance education courses exclusively. An estimated 3,430 students received degrees in 1994-95 by taking distance education course exclusively. Appended are tables of standard errors and the survey form. (JLS)
- Published
- 1997
25. Advanced Telecommunications in U.S. Private Schools, K-12: Fall 1995. Statistical Analysis Report.
- Author
-
Westat, Inc., Rockville, MD., Heaviside, Sheila, and Farris, Elizabeth
- Abstract
This document provides data from a nationally representative sample of private elementary, secondary, and combined schools in the United States and District of Columbia in the fall 1995. Twenty-five percent of private schools had access to the Internet. By comparison, 50% of public schools were on the Internet. Access to the Internet varied by instructional level of the school and size of enrollment; 57% of private secondary schools had Internet access compared with 23% of elementary schools and 19% of schools combining elementary and secondary grades. Almost all private schools (95%) were equipped with computers. On average, there were 24 computers per private school and an average of 9 private school students per computer. Nonsectarian schools reported fewer students per computer (6) than Catholic schools (10) and other religious schools. Nine percent of all the computers in private schools had Internet access and there were 99 students for every computer with Internet access. The percent of computers on the Internet in nonsectarian private schools was almost four times higher than the percent in schools with religious affiliations. Nonsectarian schools reported the lowest ratio of students per Internet connected computer--25 to 1. The ratio of students per computer with Internet access also varied by instructional level. Five percent of all instructional rooms in private schools had Internet access. Seventy-three percent of private schools provided access in one or more instructional rooms. Nonsectarian schools were more likely than Catholic schools to provide classroom access to the Internet. Of private schools with Internet access, 94% had e-mail, 72% had World Wide Web access, 69% had access to newsgroups, and 67% had search capability services. Ninety-four percent of private schools connected to wide area networks by modem. Teachers and staff had the largest role in developing private schools' advanced telecommunications activities, followed by parents. Fourteen percent of private schools had a full-time network administrator. Four in 10 private schools that did not have Internet access had plans to obtain access in the future. Funding was the most frequently cited barrier to the acquisition or use of advanced telecommunications in private schools. Twenty-one tables present statistics and standard errors for tables. The survey instrument is included. (AEF)
- Published
- 1997
26. Campus Crime and Security at Postsecondary Education Institutions. Statistical Analysis Report.
- Author
-
Westat, Inc., Rockville, MD., Lewis, Laurie, and Farris, Elizabeth
- Abstract
This study examined campus crime and security at postsecondary institutions in the United States. It is based on an April 1996 survey of 1,303 less-than-2-year, 2-year, and 4-year postsecondary institutions in the Postsecondary Education Quick Information System panel that participate in Title IV financial aid programs. A total of 1,218 institutions responded to the survey. During each of the 3 years covered by the survey (1992, 1993, and 1994), institutions reported about 10,000 violent crimes and almost 40,000 property crimes. For 1994, less that 0.5 percent of institutions reported a murder on campus, 12 percent reported robbery, and 18 percent reported aggravated assault. On-campus arrests for liquor law violations, drug abuse violations, and weapons possessions were reported by about 10 percent of the institutions in each of the 3 years. The Campus Security Act of 1990 requires postsecondary institutions to publish and distribute an annual security report, and nearly 87 percent compiled such a report. Various other crime and campus security statistics are included. Three appendixes provide Federal Bureau of Investigation uniform crime reporting definitions, tables of standard errors, and a copy of the survey questionnaire. (MDM)
- Published
- 1997
27. Parents and Schools: Partners in Student Learning. Statistics in Brief.
- Author
-
Westat, Inc., Rockville, MD., Carey, Nancy, and Farris, Elizabeth
- Abstract
Recognizing the critical role of parent involvement for the success of their children in school, this report presents statistics which focus on various areas in which parents and schools can work together to develop partnerships. The report presents data collected from a survey of 810 public elementary schools serving kindergarten through grade 8. Results were weighted to produce national estimates of all public schools serving these grades. Data were collected on several kinds of activities which public elementary schools sponsor to encourage parent involvement, the amount of parent participation in those activities, and the extent to which parent input is considered in decisionmaking related to school issues. This report discusses results of school-sponsored activities to inform and involve parents, including: (1) "Parent Attendance at School Events"; (2) "Parent Attendance by School Characteristics"; (3) "Parent Participation in School Decisionmaking"; and (4) "Parent Input Through School Councils." The Brief concludes with a summary of findings and a section of technical notes describing how the survey was conducted. Includes five tables of descriptive statistics. (AMC)
- Published
- 1996
28. Nutrition Education in Public Elementary and Secondary Schools. Statistical Analysis Report. Fast Response Survey System (FRSS).
- Author
-
Westat, Inc., Rockville, MD., Celebuski, Carin, and Farris, Elizabeth
- Abstract
This report presents the findings from the "Nutrition Education in Public Schools, K-12" survey that was designed to provide data on the status of nutrition education in U.S. public schools. Questionnaires were sent to 1,000 school principals of a nationally representative sample of U.S. elementary, middle, and high schools. The survey requested information on: placement of nutrition education in the curriculum, and the content, coordination, and reasons for nutrition education. Survey findings are presented for all schools and frequently by instructional level, enrollment size, metropolitan status, and geographic region. Highlights of the survey's findings include: (1) practically all public schools (99 percent) offer nutrition education somewhere in the curriculum, and many integrate it within the total curriculum (70 percent); (2) overall, schools focus on increasing students' knowledge about what is meant by good nutrition, with less emphasis on influencing students' motivation, attitudes, and eating behaviors; (3) the majority of schools (61 percent) have no nutrition education coordinator, so teachers are responsible for their own lessons; (4) over 90 percent of all schools offer nutrition through the school meals program; and (5) topics in nutrition covered by more than 90 percent of all schools are: the relationship between diet and health; finding and choosing healthy foods; nutrients and their food courses; the Food Guide Pyramid, and Dietary Guidelines and goals. Four appendixes provide: Survey methodology and data reliability; tables of standard errors; the survey form; and Section 19(a) of U.S. Public Law 103-448, 103rd Congress, 2 November, 1994, The Child Nutrition Act of 1966. (ND)
- Published
- 1996
29. Racial and Ethnic Classifications Used by Public Schools. Statistical Analysis Report.
- Author
-
Westat, Inc., Rockville, MD., Carey, Nancy, and Farris, Elizabeth
- Abstract
A survey was conducted to determine by what methods schools classify students' race and ethnicity, the categories they use, and how they report the information to the federal government. The survey was conducted through the Fast Response Survey System, a system designed for small amounts of data and rapid surveys. Brief questionnaires were sent to a nationally representative sample of public elementary and secondary schools. Responses were received from 926 school personnel. About half of the sampled schools collected data on student race and ethnicity only at initial registration. One-quarter of schools collected such information on an annual basis. Forty-one percent of schools reported that there are students in their schools for whom the standard five federal categories (American Indian or Alaskan Native, Asian or Pacific Islander, Black, Hispanic, and White) were not adequate, but more schools (73%) used only these categories. Only 5% of schools used a general "multiracial" category. Schools typically ask parents or guardians to identify the student's classification. Appendix A discusses survey methodology and data. Appendix B contains tables of standard errors, and Appendix C is the survey form. (Contains three figures, six tables, and seven appendix tables.) (SLD)
- Published
- 1996
30. Outcomes of Recent Changes in Federal Student Financial Aid. Statistics in Brief.
- Author
-
Westat, Inc., Rockville, MD., Lewis, Laurie, and Farris, Elizabeth
- Abstract
This report presents the results of a survey of 808 postsecondary education institutions concerning effects of the 1992 Higher Education Act reauthorization on federal student financial aid. The survey was conducted in the 1994-95 school year through the Postsecondary Education Quick Information System (PEQIS). The reauthorization legislation made changes in the number of aid applicants that institutions were required to verify, created a new unsubsidized loan program, increased loan limits, and changed needs analysis methodology. The survey found that institutional verification policies and the percent of applicants verified were generally not affected by changes in the law, probably because most institutions were already verifying more than 30 percent of aid applicants, as required by the new law. Most institutions reported increased borrowing in the subsidized and unsubsidized Stafford and Supplemental Loans for Students programs, with the majority ranking an increase in loan limits or changes in needs analysis methodology as the most important reason for the increased borrowing. (MDM)
- Published
- 1995
31. Higher Education Finances and Services. Statistics in Brief.
- Author
-
Westat, Inc., Rockville, MD., Lewis, Laurie, and Farris, Elizabeth
- Abstract
Data from the Survey on Higher Education Finances and Services were analyzed to determine whether higher education institutions (n=711) experienced operating budget cuts during the fiscal year (after the budget was initially approved) between fiscal years 1990 and 1993. While 17 percent had experienced such cuts during fiscal year 1990, this percentage rose to about one-third of all institutions during fiscal years 1991 through 1993. A greater proportion of public than private nonprofit institutions experienced budget cuts. The major reason for cuts given by public institutions was rescissions in state or local appropriations; for private institutions, the most frequently cited reason was tuition and fees shortfall. Increases in class size for introductory courses were reported by 29 percent of institutions; 19 percent reported increases in class size for advanced courses. Few institutions reported decreases in the number of courses or sections offered. The number of academic departments stayed the same at 77 percent of institutions; the number of academic programs stayed the same at 56 percent of institutions. Very few institutions reported decreases in their key student services since academic year 1989-90. Ten tables and two graphs display the survey data. (JDD)
- Published
- 1995
32. Office for Civil Rights Survey Redesign: A Feasibility Survey. Contractor Report. Statistical Analysis Report.
- Author
-
Westat, Inc., Rockville, MD., Mansfield, Wendy, and Farris, Elizabeth
- Abstract
This report provides results of a Fast Response Survey System (FRSS) study conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics for the Office for Civil Rights (OCR). The OCR wanted input for their decision-making process on possible modifications to their biennial survey of a national sample of public school districts (PSDs). The survey, the Elementary and Secondary School Civil Rights Survey (E&S Survey), provides OCR offices with information about compliance review and source material for investigations. Findings from the FRSS survey in 1991 are reported, providing information on data maintained by PSDs in the areas of school discipline, special academic programs, special populations, and information systems. Survey information came from over 800 school district superintendents. Highlight information includes: (1) over 90 percent of the PSDs administer in-school and out-of-school suspensions and expulsions; (2) 30 percent of the PSDs administer corporal punishment; (3) about 80 percent of the PSDs offer gifted and talented programs; (4) almost 75 percent of the PSDs classify biracial students as a single race or ethnicity; and (5) 30 percent of the PSDs currently have an automated and integrated student record system. Information is given about the types of reports districts are capable of making. Fifteen graphs illustrate the findings, and 22 tables present data from the study. Appendix A contains the E&S Survey, and Appendix B presents the questionnaire sent to superintendents. (SLD)
- Published
- 1992
33. Public School Principal Survey on Safe, Disciplined, and Drug-Free Schools. Contractor Report. E.D. TABS.
- Author
-
Westat, Inc., Rockville, MD., Mansfield, Wendy, and Farris, Elizabeth
- Abstract
Findings from a principal survey on safety, discipline, and drug use prevention are presented in this report. A national questionnaire mailed to 884 public elementary and secondary school principals yielded 830 usable returns, a 94 percent response rate. Respondents were asked about the extent of discipline problems within their schools and the nature and effectiveness of their schools' current policies and drug education programs. Data are presented by instructional level, type of school location, enrollment size, region, and percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunches. After a list of definitions, 17 statistical tables illustrate the problems in schools, disciplinary actions, services and procedures, limitations to maintaining order and discipline, programs and policies, drug use education, and community support. Highlights of the findings include the following facts: (1) student alcohol use was considered a serious or moderate problem by 11 percent of all public school principals; (2) over 90 percent of public schools--both elementary and secondary--offer referrals to social services outside the school system for disruptive behavior; and (3) general discipline programs and policies were considered to be highly effective in reducing disruptive behavior by 33 percent of public school principals. Appendices contain standard error tables and the questionnaire. (LMI)
- Published
- 1992
34. Survey on Retention at Higher Education Institutions. Higher Education Surveys Report, Survey Number 14.
- Author
-
Westat, Inc., Rockville, MD., Chaney, Bradford, and Farris, Elizabeth
- Abstract
A survey was conducted to evaluate nationally the retention of undergraduates at institutions of higher education. In particular the survey sought to: determine the rates at which full-time students persisted in and completed higher education; identify factors that institutional representatives felt influence students to leave school; and describe institutional practices and policies to improve retention and their perceived effectiveness. The survey was mailed to 541 institutions; it had an 87 percent response rate. The survey findings showed that of full-time freshmen entering school in fall 1988, 70 percent were still enrolled a year later. The reasons most commonly listed by institutional representatives as important in students choosing to leave without completing a degree or award were financial difficulties, accomplishment of objectives, personal reasons, and poor grades. A majority of institutions collected data on retention within the last year indicating a high level of concern with retention in recent years. Selectivity in admission was the most important predictor of retention at higher education institutions. Programs listed as having a great impact on retention were: help with student finances, help with academic problems, and testing and performance assessment. In the past 5 years, 81 percent of institutions had developed programs aimed at increasing retention. Included are nine figures, and appendixes containing detailed tables, technical notes, and the survey questionnaire. (JB)
- Published
- 1991
35. The Finances of Higher Education Institutions. Higher Education Survey, Survey Report Number 8.
- Author
-
Westat, Inc., Rockville, MD., Chaney, Bradford, and Farris, Elizabeth
- Abstract
As part of the congressionally mandated Higher Education Cost Study, a Higher Education Survey (HES) was conducted to provide reliable national estimates on the financial condition of higher education and the sources of tuition increases as perceived by financial officers at higher education institutions. Questionnaires were mailed to financial officials at 473 higher education institutions, excluding specialized schools (e.g. medical schools, dental schools, etc.). Results indicated that (1) respondents were more satisfied with their institutions' ability to control expenditure than with their ability to obtain revenue; (2) tuition and fees increased at a rate between two and three times the rate of inflation from 1980-1981 to 1988-1989. Public institutions identified the greatest impact on tuition as coming from a combination of state tuition policy requirements and a decrease in the proportion of state/local funding. Private institutions regarded the greatest impact on tuition as coming from an increase in operating expenditures, increased institutional student aid, and a decrease in the proportion of Federal funding. Financial officials felt, however, that increases in tuition would have little effect on the number of students applying for admission to their institutions. Appended are 21 tables, technical notes, and the survey questionnaire. (LT)
- Published
- 1990
36. Undergraduate Course Offerings and Enrollments in Humanities. Higher Education Surveys Report, Survey Number 11.
- Author
-
Westat, Inc., Rockville, MD., Lewis, Laurie L., and Farris, Elizabeth
- Abstract
This survey examined trends in enrollments in undergraduate humanities courses. The survey gathered information from 481 (out of 494) colleges and universities about course offerings and enrollment in fall 1988 for full-time and part-time undergraduate students in six subjects: English and American literature, foreign languages and literatures, history, philosophy, religion, and English composition. Data were combined with fall 1980 and fall 1985 data to allow comparisons of enrollments across time. During the period from 1980 to 1988, undergraduate humanities enrollments grew at a slightly greater pace than total undergraduate enrollment. Most frequent course offerings at two-year colleges were composition/writing, remedial/developmental composition, English and American literature, and history. Most frequent course offerings at four-year colleges and universities were English and American literature, composition/writing, history, foreign languages and literatures, and philosophy. Except for English composition, enrollments per 100 students in four-year colleges were higher in private schools than in public schools. Appendices contain detailed tables, technical notes, and a copy of the survey questionnaire. (JDD)
- Published
- 1990
37. College Sponsored Tutoring and Mentoring Programs for Disadvantaged Elementary and Secondary Students. Higher Education Surveys Report, Survey Number 12.
- Author
-
Westat, Inc., Rockville, MD., Cahalan, Margaret, and Farris, Elizabeth
- Abstract
A survey was conducted to identify college-sponsored programs that involved undergraduate or graduate college students working with preschool, elementary, or secondary school students either as tutors or mentors. Such programs were found in 29% of all two-year and four-year colleges and universities. Of 3,212 total institutions, 921 sponsored at least one program. The survey gathered data on program focus (whether mentoring or tutoring), number of students served, program size, distribution of college participants, participation in 1987-88 compared with 1986-87, students waiting for tutors/mentors, program sponsorship, program affiliation, length of program operation, agencies with which programs work, characteristics of participants, program staff, preservice training, transportation, time spent tutoring and mentoring, usual number of students per tutor/mentor, incentives for participation, sources of funding, and evaluation. The survey found that the primary focus was tutoring for two-thirds of the programs, mentoring for 17%, and diagnostic evaluation, respite care, or other primary focus, for the remaining 16%. Appendices contain detailed tables, technical notes, and the survey questionnaire. (JDD)
- Published
- 1990
38. Systematic Biology Training and Personnel. Higher Education Surveys Report, Survey Number 10.
- Author
-
Westat, Inc., Rockville, MD., Celebuski, Carin A., and Farris, Elizabeth
- Abstract
The Task Force on Global Biodiversity of the National Science Board is charged with developing a course of action for the National Science Foundation to follow to promote responsible management of global biological diversity. Effective management of the problem is hampered by a shortage of systematic biologists--scientists who identify, document, and classify living things. A study was conducted to gather information on systematic biology training and personnel to gauge the magnitude and severity of the shortfall of scientists. The survey collected information on the 1988-89 academic year from institutions with graduate-level systematic biology programs. All 168 doctorate-granting institutions (108 public and 60 private institutions) in the United States were surveyed. A total of 108 institutions reported that they currently train graduate students in systematic biology. The survey collected information on the following: departments training graduate students in systematic biology, and department composition; numbers of graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, faculty members, and degree recipients in systematic biology; distribution of personnel by minority group membership, citizenship, and developing country status; major disciplinary approach within systematic biology; sources and amounts of support for study and research; need for types of employment positions in systematic biology; faculty vacancies in biology and in systematic biology; and probable areas of future faculty hiring. (JDD)
- Published
- 1990
39. Services and Resources for Children in Public Libraries, 1988-1989. Contractor Report. Survey Report.
- Author
-
Westat, Inc., Rockville, MD., Lewis, Laurie, and Farris, Elizabeth
- Abstract
This report presents the findings of the first national survey of public libraries on their services and resources available to children. Questionnaires were mailed to a national probability sample of 846 public libraries, nonrespondents were contacted by telephone, and the final response rate was 97%. Survey items included the availability of library resources and services to children, the usage of library services by children, the number of group programs at the library for children and child care-givers, the amount of library cooperation with schools and with preschools or day care centers, and the number and educational level of public service and children's librarians. Survey findings are presented by the following characteristics of library buildings: (1) the number of library users per week (a measure of library size); (2) type of library (main without branches, main with branches, and branch); (3) availability of a children's librarian; (4) number of hours open to the public per week (another measure of library size); (5) percentage of the library's book budget used for children's books; and (6) percentage of the total circulation that is made up of children's materials. Findings in the text focus on the number of library patrons per week and type of library. The other data are presented in nine tables. The survey instrument is included. (GL)
- Published
- 1990
40. Use of Educational Research and Development Resources by Public School Districts: Contractor Report. Survey Report.
- Author
-
Westat, Inc., Rockville, MD., Chaney, Bradford, and Farris, Elizabeth
- Abstract
Public school districts vary widely in the extent to which they are aware of, receive, and use research and development (R&D) resources produced by four major programs within the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Educational Research and Improvement (OERI). A 95 percent response rate to a survey sent to a probability sample of 1,093 public school districts concerning their receipt and use of R&D resources revealed that 82 percent recognized ERIC Clearinghouses; 72 percent recognized Regional Educational Laboratories; 65 percent recognized National Diffusion Network (NDN) State Facilitators; and 64 percent recognized National Research and Development Centers. The study is intended to determine the receipt and use by public school districts of R&D resources from OERI-funded programs and other sources, and to learn about school districts' future needs for R&D resources in various areas of education. Included with the text are 9 figures and 13 tables. The cover letter and survey form are appended. (MLF)
- Published
- 1990
41. Prekindergarten in U.S. Public Schools: 2000-2001.
- Author
-
Smith, Timothy, Kleiner, Anne, Parsad, Basmat, and Farris, Elizabeth
- Abstract
Provides information on the number of public schools offering prekindergarten classes, the number and characteristics of children enrolled, services received by those children, the number and characteristics of prekindergarten teachers, and funding sources. Data are from the Fast Response Survey System. (SLD)
- Published
- 2003
42. Arts Education in Public Elementary and Secondary Schools: 1999-2000.
- Author
-
Carey, Nancy, Kleiner, Brian, Porch, Rebecca, and Farris, Elizabeth
- Abstract
Provides a national profile of the status of arts education in U.S. public schools, including data on the availability of arts instruction, staffing, funding, supplemental programs and activities, and administrative support. Data are from surveys from the Fast Response Survey System. (SLD)
- Published
- 2002
43. Public Alternative Schools and Programs for Students at Risk of Education Failure: 2000-01.
- Author
-
Kleiner, Brian, Porch, Rebecca, and Farris, Elizabeth
- Abstract
Provides data on the availability of and enrollment in public alternative schools and programs for at-risk students, entrance and exit criteria, staffing, curriculum services, and collaboration. Findings are based on a questionnaire completed by representatives of 1,534 public school districts. Part of the Fast Response Survey System. (SLD)
- Published
- 2002
44. Internet Access in U.S. Public Schools and Classrooms: 1994-2000.
- Author
-
Cattagni, Anne and Farris, Elizabeth
- Abstract
Examined the progress of public schools in providing students and teachers with access to computers and the Internet. Includes comparisons by school characteristics. Data from several surveys indicate that by fall 2000, almost all U.S. public schools had access to the Internet. (Author/SLD)
- Published
- 2001
45. Features of Occupational Programs at the Secondary and Postsecondary Education Levels.
- Author
-
Phelps, Richard P., Parsad, Basmat, Farris, Elizabeth, and Hudson, Lisa
- Abstract
Provides national data on occupational program offerings, the use of skill competencies, and other occupational program characteristics in public secondary schools and less-than-4-year postsecondary institutions. Data are from surveys conducted through the Fast Response Survey System and the Postsecondary Education Quick Information System. (Author/SLD)
- Published
- 2001
46. Teacher Preparation and Professional Development: 2000.
- Author
-
Parsad, Basmat, Lewis, Laurie, and Farris, Elizabeth
- Abstract
Provides a national profile on teachers' education, participation in formal professional development and collaboration, and feelings of preparedness for various classroom demands. Data, which are from two surveys from the Fast Response Survey System, allow comparisons between 1998 and 2000. (Author/SLD)
- Published
- 2001
47. Advanced Telecommunications in U.S. Private Schools: 1998-99.
- Author
-
Parsad, Basmat, Skinner, Rebecca, and Farris, Elizabeth
- Abstract
Discusses trends in the availability of computers and the Internet in private schools and related issues such as support for and instructional use of these resources. Includes selected comparisons with public schools. Data are from a survey of the Fast Response Survey System. (Author/SLD)
- Published
- 2001
48. Condition of America's Public School Facilities: 1999.
- Author
-
Lewis, Laurie, Snow, Kyle, and Farris, Elizabeth
- Abstract
Provides national data on the condition of public school facilities and the costs to bring them into good condition; school plans for repairs, renovations, and replacements; the age of public schools; and overcrowding and practices used to address overcrowding. Data are from the Public School Facilities Survey of the National Center for Education Statistics. (Author/SLD)
- Published
- 2000
49. Occupational Programs and the Use of Skill Competencies at the Secondary and Postsecondary Levels: 1999.
- Author
-
Parsad, Basmat and Farris, Elizabeth
- Abstract
Focuses on the use of skill competency lists in occupational programs and the credentialing of skill proficiencies. Data from two National Center for Education Statistics surveys show that most secondary schools with one or more of the relevant occupational programs had developed or adopted skill competency lists for their programs. (Author/SLD)
- Published
- 2000
50. Distance Education at Postsecondary Education Institutions: 1997-98.
- Author
-
Lewis, Laurie, Snow, Kyle, and Farris, Elizabeth
- Abstract
Includes information on distance education enrollments, courses, and changes since 1994-95. Evidence from two national surveys indicates that distance education is becoming an increasingly visible feature of postsecondary education in the United States. About one-third of U.S. 2-year and 4-year postsecondary institutions offered some distance education courses in the 1997-1998 academic year. (SLD)
- Published
- 2000
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