The Research and Evaluation Group has produced a wide range of products and services over the years. Below are examples of data collection instruments and analytic reports.
Research Briefs
RB1: Understanding Implementation of OBPP. The first in a series of research briefs explores the nature of teachers’ understanding of, and commitment to, a bullying prevention program.
RB2: Olweus Bullying Prevention Program: Fidelity and School Characteristics. This research brief takes a first look at how different components of the Olweus program function across different types of school characteristics, such as school enrollment and school level.
RB3: Bullying Behaviors in Pennsylvania Schools. Examining a sample of nearly 30,000 students, this research brief examines differences in frequent bullying victimization by key school characteristics.
RB4: Addressing Obesity in Rural Pennsylvania. This research brief focuses on the interplay between rural communities, poverty and obesity through analysis of state and national data to highlight obesity related issues that are more prevalent in rural areas.
RB5: Olweus Bullying Prevention Program in High Schools: A Review of Literature. This research brief summarizes the literature on bullying among high school students and provides information about the application of bullying prevention programs, including the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program, in American high schools.
RB6: Implementing the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program: How school administrators can improve program effectiveness. This research brief identifies common challenges experienced by schools that have implemented the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program; and discusses ways that school administrators may address bullying by promoting implementation of this research-based program with high fidelity.
Other Products
Contextual Factors in Educators’ Discrepant Perceptions of School Violence
What factors influence the level of agreement between teachers and principals on matters of school violence? This conference paper (American Evaluation Association 2008 conference) explores numerous individual and school factors researchers should consider when relying on informants at different levels of school systems.
Geospatial Analysis of English Language Learners and Troubled Schools (JPG image file)
Program officers are often concerned about whether their targeted populations are being reached in terms of multiple factors. To assist Penn State University target its deployment of an ESL program, the Center produced a picture of ELLs and Pennsylvania schools not making AYP.
Teacher Induction Program in Texas (Word format)
New teachers are commonly provided with different supports in their first years of teaching, to enhance their practice and stave off attrition.
Data Collection Instruments
PPT-ELECT Coordinator’s 2006-07 Questionnaire (PDF format)
The Center serves as the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) and Department of Public Welfare’s (DPW) evaluator for the PPT-ELECT program, which seeks to improve pregnancy recurrence and workforce preparation for at-risk youth. The Coordinator’s Questionnaire collects site specific data used in multilevel analyses of program effects.
PA CARES Teacher Fidelity Form (PDF format)
With a substantial grant from the Highmark Foundation, the Center coordinates student, teacher and school level data collection for the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program (OBPP). This brief questionnaire is used to assess teachers’ classroom activities (with qualitative and quantitative data), and link them to school level change in bullying rates.
Systems of Care Client Update Form (PDF format)
In 2007-09, the Center conducted statewide health care coordination for children with special health care needs. Among the program’s efforts was an in-home nurse visitation component. This form tracked client activities and outcomes over multiple points in time.
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