There is growing pressure to make efficacy experiments more useful. This requires attending to the twin goals of generalizing experimental results to those schools that will use the results and testing the intervention's theory of action. We show how electronic records, created naturally during the daily operation of technology-based…

The four case examples presented in this brief are drawn from the Gardner Center's substantial experience conducting rigorous research in research-practice partnerships. The first case describes a partnership approach that enhances a school district's capacity to use integrated longitudinal data to tackle persistent problems of practice and…

The California State Department of Education commissioned the Far West Laboratory to conduct a study to enhance the effectiveness of methods of disseminating educational information in the state. The study began with a pilot written survey of administrators and support staff in a few schools. In-depth telephone interviews with department staff and…

Throwing the proverbial monkey wrench into the machinery "on paper" before a system begins functioning seems to be essential to program evaluation. This activity should be performed by the "resident skeptic" who is familiar with past resistance to change and who, being familiar with a program, is able to foresee theoretical and…

This report is organized to provide a complete, logical presentation of the major steps taken in the third phase of research on dynamics of dissemination of the Instructional Support System for Occupational Education (ISSOE). It reports on the confirmation and validation of the Phase II Final Report on Dissemination Issues and the Phase III…

This document reviews the activities of a conference on "Disseminating for Tomorrow's Voc Ed." The conference featured tools, techniques, information, examples that can be used to promote good dissemination, use of research, and developmental results. Considerable emphasis at the conference was given to topics and activities related to…