A study was proposed to determine to what extent a hierarchical structure exists in music and in tests used to measure music ability. The first research question was whether items in the Watkins-Farnum Performance Scale (J. Watkins and S. Farnum, 1954) (WFPS) form a hierarchy, so that early exercises (bars played) are generally easier than later…

The long-term goal of Project SAVE (Stop Alcohol Violations Early) is to reduce underage drinking. When a major revision of the program was initiated, the pilot program was evaluated for statistically measurable changes against short-term goals. The results of that evaluation are presented here. Four elements were included in the evaluation…

An initiative was undertaken to introduce technology-enabled and distance learning to the Defense Information School (DINFOS), Ft. Meade, Maryland. The effort to introduce instructional technology reflected the need to find a creative solution to Armed Forces requests for increased student quotas, reduced pool of military instructors, and an…

This paper describes a pilot study emphasizing responsive research and incorporating the views of participants into recommendations for future research using classroom videotaping. The study was based on the sociocultural theory of Vygotsky (1978), which emphasizes the importance of an integrated perspective of child language and thought.…

AIM (Assessment, Instruction, Mastery), a performance-based assessment developed in Oregon, was piloted in 25 volunteer-based programs in Pennsylvania. During the program year ending in June 1999, 190 tutors and program staff from 20 agencies attended training workshops on using the AIM system; 13 programs receiving training reported 136 tutors…

The Children's Literature Research Unit at the University of South Africa, Pretoria, implemented a research project examining what young people were reading at the end of the 20th century, similar to a research project which had been carried out at Roehampton Institute in London (1996). The research began with a pilot project. Its goals were to:…

This paper describes an educational intervention program for academically failing students which focuses on visual perceptual skills and learning strategies. It considers visual perceptual problems as the undetected cause of much academic failure. Basic visual skills necessary for academic success are identified including visual acuity, binocular…

The Positive Parenting Project, developed by Scotland's Save the Children, has worked with children and families for 3 years to identify and develop structures to meet their needs for parenting support. The project, which works in collaboration with local organizations, consults widely with parents, young people, agencies, and organizations in…

This case study identifies key barriers for staff on the path to an e-University and suggests ways to unlock them. The focus of the evidence-based research is an e-University pilot development in virtual learning in progress at the University of Greenwich (England). Documentary evidence for the study included feedback from 12 sub-projects in the…

A qualitative pilot study, guided by an ecological framework, illustrates the complexities involved in studying the unique linguistic situation in Paraguay between Spanish and the indigenous language of Guarani, and its relationship with education. The pilot study interviewing eight kindergarten children. Seventy five children have been…

This study focused on response rates to online student ratings of faculty at Brigham Young University, Utah, where concerns about response rates have contributed to a long period for testing and implementation of the online system (more than 5 years). The first pilot study, in 1997, included 36 courses and yielded a response rate of about 40%. The…

This document describes the National Pilot Sites Project for Recruitment and Retention, an effort to recruit, prepare, and retain highly qualified diverse educators and related services personnel for children and youth with disabilities by involving multiple stakeholder groups within selected states (Alabama, Colorado, Georgia, New Jersey, Oregon,…

This paper investigates the impact of the BOUNCE BACK! Resiliency Program on teachers and students. The program teaches coping skills to students, 11-12 years old, to help them resist the use of substances and other risk-taking behaviors. The program contains five elements: (1) the core component of coping skills; (2) a supportive social skills…

The author plays off the use of acronyms in education in describing the work of the Southeastern Educational Laboratory (SEL). The SEL was one of the regional educational laboratories established by the U. S. Office of Education in the late 60s to assist in the improvement of public education. It served Alabama, Florida and Georgia. The author…

Inter-agency cooperation, community college support, a successful career education component--you'll find all three in this brief history of two high school pilot programs. (Editor)