This article describes a research study in which a biologist and his research on Antarctic seabirds became part of an integrated science course for prospective elementary teachers. Students used the scientist's database on seabird chick growth rates for an experimental design investigation while the "regular" classes had a single science…

The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of providing preservice teachers the opportunity to collect real data in a science methods inquiry investigation and using the data, design data displays in their mathematics methods course. The research questions focused on how preservice teachers' understandings of data displays, research…

This article summarizes critical evaluation needs, challenges, and lessons learned in translational research. Evaluation can play a key role in enhancing successful application of research-based programs and tools as well as informing program refinement and future research. Discussion centers on what is unique about evaluating programs and…

The authors of the "No Child Left Behind Act of 2001" anticipated that a majority of school districts or schools would not be able to attain state and national achievement standards without assistance. Consequently, the Act created a major tenet known as Supplemental Educational Services (SES) programs to improve the learning outcomes of…

A growing number of students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who display complex learning needs present challenges to educators who struggle to meet their educational needs. Teaching is stressful and additional instructional challenges may increase teacher vulnerability to burnout, leading to a greater likelihood of attrition. Increasing…

This guide is designed to help districts and schools evaluate reform efforts related to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), including School Improvement Grants. It includes practical, how-to tips for conducting program evaluations, whether one takes a "do-it-yourself" approach or seeks outside assistance to evaluate reform…

The problem of bias in rankings due to the initial position of entities when presented to judges is discussed. A modification of the Friedman Two-Way Analysis of Variance to test "ranking error" is presented. (JKS)

Emphasizes the importance of carefully planned research design and cites possible applications for independent groups and repeated-measures designs. Bibliography. (MD)

Coefficient Kappa is generally defined in terms of procedures of computation rather than in terms of a population. Here a population definition is proposed. Factors influencing the magnitude of Kappa are identified. Strategies to improve reliability are proposed, including that of combining multiple unreliable diagnoses. (Author/CTM)

This study explores a strategy for improving the stability of variance component estimates when only small samples are available, using a series of small, less complex generalizability (G) study designs as a surrogate for a single large design. (Author/BW)

Problems of type I errors associated with multiple comparisons in the same experiment are discussed. A table is provided for the rapid determination of experimentwise alpha level when a number of independent statistical tests are employed in the same experiment. Suggested applications and the rationale for this procedure are supplied. (Author/JKS)

Many interactions are found with categorical variables but few with continuous variables, suggesting that, from a mathematical point of view, investigating interactions with continuous variables is less powerful than with categorical variables. This issue is analyzed from three other points of view: study design, measurement of the independent…

Describes differences between multiple correlation analysis (MCA) and multiple regression analysis (MRA), showing how these approaches involve different research questions and study designs, different inferential approaches, different analysis strategies, and different reported information. (SLD)

Evaluation of the binomial effect size display (BESD), proposed as a format for presenting effect sizes associated with certain research, suggests that its application is limited to presenting results of 2 X 2 tables in which the overall binomial success rate is 50%. Problems with BESD use are explored. (SLD)

Notes that, when planning research, obvious strategy is to assess likely flaws and develop approaches to overcome them. Introduces set of concepts that researchers can use to evaluate quality of their designs. Presents 32 threats to validity organized according to 4 types of validity (internal, external, statistical conclusion, and construct…