A research and development approach to performance monitoring in public agencies involves establishing objectives, selecting indicators, establishing criteria for comparison, and using information. Examples from Virginia education agencies indicate that performance monitoring requires commitment, patience, openness to ideas, and risk taking. (SK)

Purposes of and audiences for special education research information are reviewed, and dissemination strategies are discussed in terms of the seven factors identified by R. Havelock that account for most of the spread and utilization of knowledge: linkage, proximity, structure, synergy, openness to change, capacity, and reward. (Author/JDD)

A study compared the influence of four missing data techniques on three published analyses of the High School and Beyond data (reexamining public- versus private-school achievement). Results indicated that use of data-replacement techniques affected the conclusions of the three studies examined. A small positive effect favoring private schooling…

Use of "best practices" in vocational special needs education can provide efficient and effective learning for students with learning difficulties. Barriers to their use include association with particular groups, aptitude treatment interaction, attitudes, and lack of information. Closing the research-practice gap can improve use of best…

Discusses some areas of particular interest in the study of education in the South Pacific islands: educational development in small, recently decolonized nations; mismatch between policies of donors of international aid and the needs of developing nations; importance of understanding the context of education; and misapplication of educational…

A review of some alumni research conducted at Stanford University (California) and the ways the findings have been used indicates the range of development and alumni-relations issues for which market research can be valuable. It also demonstrates the value of ongoing, rather than occasional, research. (Author/MSE)

Junior nursing students participated as research subjects in a faculty study, collected data for a student project on health attitudes, and analyzed both studies' findings. Thus, they learned about the research process through participation in several different phases. (SK)

Describes the Healthy Families America (HFA) initiative, a program that seeks to expand the availability of high-quality, intensive home-visitation services. Reports on evaluation of HFA programs, which have not shown significant improvements in children's development and maternal social support so far. (SLD)

Outlines the value of action research for vocational special-needs educators and students. Presents relevant research topics and scenarios of school-based action research projects on inclusion, transition, family involvement, and career development. (SK)

Analyzes 86 articles in the first 7 volumes of the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Vocational Education Research and organizes them in 3 categories: learning and teaching, policy context, and improving research. Concludes with implications for policy, practice, and future research. An appendix lists articles by topic. (Contains 106…

This article urges an increase in support for responsive interaction styles among all parents and teachers, an expansion of efforts to identify communication delays and disorders as early as possible, advancement of the development of truly effective communication and language intervention approaches, and the transformation of research findings…

France and the United Kingdom have similar programs for technology transfer and applications of scientific research. There is great potential for them to combine efforts and work with companies on regional, national, and European strategies for the use of technological innovations. (SK)

Knowledge work today is entirely different, and knowledge professionals such as faculty must be allowed to engage in scholarship, teaching, and service cyclically, not simultaneously. Institutional mechanisms must support social integration of knowledge as they now support research and teaching. (SK)

Discusses technology transfer at the University of Washington in the context of programs associated with appropriating the benefits of academic research and development for the regional economy. Concludes by suggesting lessons for regional planners and technology transfer managers. (Contains 26 notes and references.) (JOW)

This article examines the issues underlying the relatively insignificant impact of research on literacy practice from the perspectives of the fields of literacy, special education, and deaf education. Recommendations are made for researchers and teachers of students with hearing impairments for bridging the gap between research and practice.…