Quantitative growth curve models for estimating individual developmental functions from various types of longitudinal data are discussed in the context of investigator assumptions and research design characteristics. Linear and nonlinear models that estimate growth curves are illustrated, and contrasted when they are fit to speech development…

This guide is designed to inform school directors about the value of a data dashboard and to provide information on how districts can create a data dashboard for school directors. A data dashboard is a tool for viewing and analyzing student achievement and performance data. Key data for monitoring student achievement and directing policy level…

This handbook was developed for high school teachers looking for new sources of timely information and ways to make courses more engaging and relevant to students. The American Community Survey (ACS) provides a wide online array of social, economic, and demographic information about the nation, states, and local communities. These data can be…

This manual was produced to familiarize data users with the procedures followed in data collection and processing of the fifth follow-up survey of the National Longitudinal Survey of the High School Class of 1972 (NLS-72) and to provide documentation for use of the file. The data file is a computerized data base, which is available on magnetic…

The Achieving the Dream (ATD) initiative works with more than 100 community colleges across the United States with the specific goal of increasing student success. Together, Achieving the Dream colleges graduate or transfer close to 250,000 students a year. With just a 5 percent increase in graduation rates, individuals can positively impact the…

This chartbook is designed as a graphic reference on national statistical information about disabilities. Each page contains a content question, explanatory text, and an explanatory chart or table as well as information on sources used. Key terms are shown in boldface and defined in a glossary. Section 1 provides demographic data on Americans with…

This manual has been produced to familiarize data users with the procedures followed for data collection and processing for the base year of the Education Longitudinal Study of 2002 (ELS:2002). It also provides the necessary documentation for use of the public-use data files, as they appear on the ELS:2002 base year Electronic Codebook (ECB). Most…

This report summarizes the findings and describes the products of a 2-part research project that examined the parameters of Washington's interlibrary loan cooperation statewide, and developed a set of computer models to be used in simulation studies of associated activities and policies. It contains a statement of the problem; an historical…

A report of comprehensive efforts within Tennessee to determine the extent of support in individual schools, school systems, counties, and congressional districts is reported, including the simple formula used. Also described are some of the linguistic maps and statistical tables in the report and the possible applications for teachers in other…

The objective of this data user guide is to introduce the potential user to the Academic Science and Engineering Statistics Survey Data Base and to provide detailed information on the data structures and formats of the archival and public-use tapes derived from that data base. Data producers and services and order forms are provided. Major…

This book aims to acquaint researchers, primarily in local organizations, with data they can use to describe and better understand rural communities. Chapter 1 describes a few basic data concepts for readers who are not experienced data users. Chapter 2 provides an overview of major data sources that can be used to describe rural communities,…

This handbook is a guide and reference document for those researching the child data files of the 1986-1990 National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, sponsored by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. It describes the child data collection procedures, the nature of the child sample, the child data files available, and the specifics of the child assessments…

The manual was designed to aid members of admissions committees in the use of the new Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) for the selection of applicants, and to familiarize health professions advisors and other groups of the basic characteristics of the test and its selection and counseling functions. The first chapter includes a rationale for…

This manual is a first effort to begin to identify, describe, and develop procedures for assessing various aspects of digital reference service. Its overall purpose is to improve the quality of digital reference services and assist librarians to design and implement better digital reference services. More specifically, its aim is to: assist…

This user's manual has been produced to familiarize data users with the procedures followed for data collection and processing of the first follow-up teacher component of the National Education Longitudinal Study of 1988 (NELS:88). The teacher component provides teacher information that can be used to analyze the behaviors and outcomes of the…