Experimental Design for Local School Districts (July 18-August 26, 1966). Final Report.

A 6-week summer institute on experimental design was conducted for public school personnel who had been designated by their school administrations as having responsibility for research together with some time released for devotion to research. Of the 32, 17 came from Indiana, 15 from 12 other states. Lectures on statistical principles of design and conceptual aspects of design were accompanied by seminars prepared by staff and participants. To provide for individual needs, lecture attendance was not required, and seminars were arranged on a somewhat day-to-day basis. Staff members acted as consultants, encouraging trainees to focus on design problems of interest to them, of value as learning experiences, and of potential use to the field of education as a whole. Statistical analysis of data from trainee questionnaires indicates that (1) trainees felt that no part-time inservice program could provide the same benefits as the 6-week institute, (2) they favored a flexible scheduling approach which emphasizes competent consultation over formal lecture, and (3) they considered the institute worthwhile and their performance adequate. There is indication that more care should have been taken to make the work of the consultants an integral part of the program. Future programs need more time for publicity and candidate selection. Appended are publicity materials and the evaluation questionnaire. (JS)