This book uses an extended case study to guide readers through the complexities of evaluating service learning outcomes and their relevance to the curriculum. Eight chapters include: (1) "What Is Service Learning?" (e.g., definition and rationale, developing a service learning program, and standards for effective programs); (2) "The…

This toolkit helps community-based organizations create a community guide to the school budget, demystifying school finance for citizens and engaging them in the process of using the school budget as a tool for school improvement. It explains the major steps organizations have used in their own initiatives, offering advice and examples of tools.…

Qualitative inquiry is rich in personal interaction between participant and researcher. This research seeks to consider the issues related to conducting qualitative inquiries in online settings and the implications for using electronic means in interview and observation. Consideration needs to be given to the ramifications of online interview…

This paper describes several methodological decisions made during a study of linguistic development of French in British classroom learners, highlighting the significance of choosing suitable tools for collecting, transcribing, and analyzing oral interlanguage data and noting the usefulness for interlanguage research of the CHILDES (Child Language…

This study is based on data collected by the Division of Lifelong Learning at Indiana State University, in fall 2002. The data collected was in the form of a survey questionnaire, mailed to students taking distance courses. The main objective of the study was to analyze student preference for the four types of modalities, designed for the delivery…

This report describes the methods and procedures used for the 2000 National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS:2000). NPSAS:2000 included notable changes from previous NPSAS surveys (conducted in 1987, 1990, 1993, and 1996) in its sample design and collection of data. For example, this study is the first to restrict institutional sampling to…

This paper examines trends in second language communication strategies (CSs), explaining that when language learners concentrate on form or accuracy, they encounter problems, and when they recognize the mismatch between their linguistic resources and communicative intentions, they try to solve these problems using CSs (e.g., appeals for help,…

This paper reports the results of the Special Study Survey completed by 370 member institutions of the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education in conjunction with the Professional Education Data System (PEDS) survey in fall 2001. The purpose of the survey was to identify and describe the approaches schools, colleges, and departments…

This book originated from a conference arranged to honor the professional contributions of William D. Schafer on his retirement. In recognition of his interest in the subject, each chapter is an effort by one or more professionals to describe what they think the future of assessment should be. The chapters are: (1) What Will Teachers Know about…

This how-to guide to classroom inquiry takes educators through the process step-by-step, from beginning to end, answering critical questions on developing the research plan, collecting and analyzing the data, and writing and publishing the results. Seven chapters include: (1) "Teacher Inquiry Defined" (e.g., what teacher inquiry is and how it…

This study was conducted to analyze student background characteristics and educational history data that affect participation and performance of non-English language background students, including those with limited English proficiency, on Minnesota's Basic Standards Test. Data were obtained from individual student cumulative files in six schools…

This manual is designed to be used for any kind of student-centered planning for secondary students with brain injuries, including the Individualized Education Program (IEP) required for every student who is found eligible for special education. The manual provides questionnaires, observation forms, and procedures to help the education team gather…

Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) allow users a small profile, battery-operated, and relatively low-cost way to take many of the capabilities of a personal computer into the field. This combination of features suggests a great potential for the use of a PDA as a field data collection instrument. This research compared the use of one kind of PDA…

This book outlines a process for showing how well a school or district meets its goal of sustained student learning. The first section provides a knowledge base for collecting and reporting educational data. The next section reflects the components of educational change and answers "how to" questions about data gathering, analysis, and reporting…

This technical report documents the methodology of the National Education Longitudinal Study of 1988 (NELS:88) base year survey of eighth graders through the 1992 second followup survey of high school students and dropouts. Chapter 1 begins with an overview and history of the NELS:88 and its database, Chapter 2 contains a description of the data…