This article is the fourth contribution to a research methods series dedicated to getting "good results" from survey research. The intent of this article is to elaborate the selection and design decisions one must address when considering the use of a telephone survey as an alternative to the traditional postal survey that collects respondent data…

This article is the second contribution to a research methods series dedicated to getting good results from survey research. In this series, "good results" is a stenographic term used to define surveys that yield accurate and meaningful information that decision makers can use with confidence when conducting program evaluation and policy…

This article is the third contribution to a research methods series dedicated to getting good results from survey research. In this series, "good results" is a stenographic term used to define surveys that yield accurate and meaningful information that decision makers can use with confidence when conducting program evaluation and policy assessment…

This article is the first of a research methods series dedicated to getting good results from survey research. In this series, "good results" is a stenographic term used to define surveys that yield accurate and meaningful information decision makers can use with confidence to identify current practices that merit continuation and to create or…

The McNamara/Thompson guidelines for teaching basic statistics in principal preparation programs say courses should stress data analysis skills; illustrate statistical concepts using school-related, real-world data; concentrate on descriptive statistical methods; and familiarize candidates with univariate distributions, exploratory data-analysis…

A recent survey shows that Texas elementary teachers believe most students' science-education needs are adequately met in their schools. About 12 percent of 85,000 teachers are involved in collaborative ventures related to teaching and learning in science. Teachers recommended developing better science curricula and preservice courses. (MLH)

Stresses two essential characteristics that principals must keep in mind when constructing measures that yield accurate and relevant evaluation data. When constructing quantitative measures, validity and reliability are most important considerations. When designing qualitative measures, credibility and dependability are most important. (14…

Discusses findings and implications of the Texas Poll of Elementary School Teachers. Fifth- and sixth-grade teachers spend more time teaching just science than do teachers in lower grades. Most teachers believed science is not a high priority at their school. Insufficient time, materials, and resources are limiting factors. (15 references) (MLH)

Meta-analysis, a statistical method for combining quantitative findings from several studies addressing the same research problem, follows basic integrative research review procedures. Researchers must complete 11 specific, sequential steps, including selecting the type of meta-analysis, indicating the common research hypothesis, identifying…

Explores how principals can use school psychologists' professional expertise in collaborative problem solving. Explains school psychologists' functions, shares a case study illustrating superintendent-psychologist cooperation in solving a drug abuse problem, outlines five possible problem-solving situations, identifies four myths of collaboration,…

A "fact sheet" is defined as a single two-sided sheet (or one-page folded brochure) that briefly describes all major aspects of a scientific survey or poll in nontechnical terms. A fact sheet can be used to plan all phases of a survey, from clarifying purpose, to distributing results. A fact sheet may be used as a communication tool in each phase…

Serious interest in reducing class size often begins with a key question: What available evidence would support the higher implementation costs? This article discusses positive results of a longitudinal statewide study in Tennessee (Project STAR) and uses findings to specify four guidelines for practitioners and policy makers. Evaluation plans…

Discusses a comparative analysis of the "biggest problems question" used in both the 1996 Annual Gallup Poll of Public Education and a 1996 Houston-area district's five-year, strategic-planning survey. Although both groups identified some common concerns (discipline, drug abuse, violence, crime, and gangs), national poll respondents placed more…

Shares some high-yield questionnaire items that school practitioners can use to design strategic-planning surveys to be conducted at the start of a five-year planning cycle. Recommends two basic types of quantitative questionnaire items focused on program evaluation and needs assessment. Recommends three qualitative questionnaire items allowing…

Proposes an alternative strategy for teaching basic statistics to prospective and practicing school principals. A basic statistics course should emphasize exploratory data analysis, graphics, and report writing; illustrate statistical concepts using real-world data; stress descriptive statistical methods; and require students to learn all three…