Memoranda 17 through 21 are included in Volume 8. (The general nature of the memorandum and related documents are described in SO 005 892). Daniel E. Costello offers a selective review of the literature relating to educational decision processes. Tom Deats provides an essay on reflections and comparisons of knowledge utilization in education…

This report considers the role of manpower information in vocational education planning. Following a review of the manpower and educational contexts of vocational education planning, the report examines the concepts of manpower supply and demand and the sources of relevant information and methodologies for their estimation, considers criteria for…

Videotape recordings were compared with use of slides and an audiotape to determine whether the cost of videotape was justified for use with students in Appalachian high schools. Methods were compared on the basis of cognitive information retained by students, student receptivity to each of the two methods, and the cost of equipment. Two groups of…

Included are issue statements, workshop reports, and recommendations. The conference was held for educators and educational data collectors to exchange ideas on improving postsecondary education surveys and to plan for making such surveys universally compatible. Among the issues discussed are the uses of information, government concerns in…

The interrelationships and problems areas existent in the dissemination and utilization of the results of research and development efforts in vocational education are explored. The problem areas relate to the responsibilities of the various education agencies, the specificity and types of information or products to be disseminated, target…

Reports on a study designed to investigate the relationship between the length of stay at a national forest visitor center and the density of the visitor population. Results indicate a significant negative correlation exists between the daily number of users and the average duration of their visits. (TW)

Grades should be a way for teachers and students to communicate about student performance. Using grades to rank and sort is detrimental to learning and to the development of a stimulating and supportive academic climate. (Author)

Discussion of the decision-making role of the librarian covers pertinent planning activities, i.e., systematically analyzing problem, reviewing literature, gathering and analyzing data, and assessing positive aspects of implementing new knowledge so gained. Knowledge of the research process, replicating research, and assuming the responsibility of…

Comparative education can deepen understanding of our own education and society, be of assistance to policymakers and administrators, and form a most valuable part of teacher education. Like all applied fields, however, it is open to potential abuse by those who would use its results to support--or oppose--specific change programs. (BRR)

Several conceptions of schooling are outcome-bound: input-output models, school effectiveness models, classroom learning models, and systems theory models. Problems with each of these conceptions are identified, followed by a brief discussion of an outcome-free approach in which schools are viewed as cultural ecologies. (BW)

Suggests that teachers can develop students' study-reading skills more successfully using investigative processes rather than workbook-type exercises. (AEA)

Surveyed 203 recent college graduates to determine what sources of information students use to find employment and how helpful these sources are. Results showed direct contact with the employer was the information source used most often, followed by family and friends, the placement office, and newspaper advertisement. (JAC)

To respond rationally to the challenges of the next decade, educational practitioners need a solid foundation of professional knowledge. (MM)

During the 2002-2003 academic year, six roundtables were held to explore uses of the data from the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE) for improvement of student learning. This paper describes the roundtable discussion held in St. Louis, Missouri, in March 2003. Participants were student affairs administrators from a range of institutions…

Noting that obtaining facts and figures on important policy issues related to children is the critical first step toward identifying what is working and what needs improvement, this Kids Count guide is designed to help local community members find and use data on the condition of children and families in Minnesota. The guide describes how to…