In this article, the author highlights a recurrent issue related to the historical measurement and use of attendance data: The challenge of producing uniform and reliable records on school attendance. Comparing this issue in the late 1800s to nearly two centuries later, he observes that while the capacity for record keeping and analysis has…

Record-keeping systems (or volunteer management systems) were identified as a capacity-building tool for Extension master gardener volunteer (EMGV) programs. Not all states have or use such systems, and there are differences among existing systems. A survey was conducted in June 2015 to document and compare record-keeping systems for EMGV programs…

In this article, we argue that big data can offer new opportunities and roles for educational researchers. In the traditional model of evidence-gathering and interpretation in education, researchers are independent observers, who pre-emptively create instruments of measurement, and insert these into the educational process in specialized times and…

In this study, we examined the implementation of an electronic health records (EHR) system in a small family practice clinic. We used three data collection instruments to evaluate user experience, work pattern changes, and organisational changes related to the implementation and use of the EHR system: (1) an EHR user survey, (2) interviews with…

Describes record linkage as a data-generating technique, and presents a method for linking client records to live and stillbirth records, using 32,974 births in the Cleveland (Ohio) area. Biases that can enter the linkage process and general research issues related to record linkage are discussed. (SLD)

A plan for a long term tracking system for handicapped children (birth to 5 years old) in Illinois is considered. The plan, based on agreements among five state agencies, could be used in a variety of ways, including for direct client care, statistical recordkeeping, and service evaluation. Advantages of an interactive system are identified, and…

A discussion of the use of computerized spreadsheets for recording and analyzing college students' grades looks at a variety of issues of concern in any evaluation situation (data collection and control, allocating grades, checking consistency, analyzing relationships between items of assessment and grades), and illustrate them with examples from…

Differences in agreement between observers and analysts of naturalistic narrative data cause problems in observation research. This paper discusses the advantages and disadvantages of several possible solutions. (Author/GDC)

This article describes a computer-based system, the "Direct Observation Data System" (DODS), which allows for unobtrusive collection of direct observational data in the classroom and natural settings. At present, DODS consists of event-recording and duration-recording programs which can be remotely accessed. The device has implications for…

The National Education Statistical Agenda Committee of the National Forum on Education Statistics established a Task Force in 1995 to study how a state or local education agency might best collect and report data on the incidence of crime, violence, and disciplinary behavior. The Task Force, which consisted of a core group of data providers from…

The volume is a composite of final reports written for nine special education research and evaluation studies conducted by the Dallas (Texas) Independent School District during the 1978-79 school year. Each report includes three components: an executive summary of research or evaluation questions and responses; an abstract with information on…

This report presents six papers originally prepared for a policy panel meeting which explored the data ramifications of changes within postsecondary education brought about through the expanded use of technology. Following an executive summary and an introduction, the major papers are: (1) "The Growth of Technology-Based Educational Delivery…

Collecting patient morbidity information in academic ambulatory practice is useful for research, practice management, and evaluation and planning of educational programs. Three methods of morbidity data collection were compared to determine which was most accurate. (Author/MLW)

To determine the extent to which states are able to assess their provision of services to typically underserved populations, this study interviewed 16 Part H (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) state coordinators. Major findings indicated: (1) six states identified their rural population as most underserved and six identified one or more…

The manual presents 12 papers summarizing research on the effectiveness of the Kansas Individualized Curriculum Sequencing (KICS) model for severely handicapped students. The first three papers examine the effects of distributed practice schedules on the learning, generalization and initiation of students. The use of distributed practice, an…