An Analysis of Total Nonresponse in the 1993-94 Schools and Staffing Survey (SASS)


Book Description

This technical report presents results of an analysis of unit response rates for the components of the 1993-94 Schools and Staffing Surveys (SASS). The study was motivated by the general need to evaluate and improve the quality of SASS data and to identify potential sources of nonsampling error associated with nonresponse in SASS. As background, the report describes the survey design and nonresponse adjustment procedures for each of the components of the SASS. A primary focus of the analysis is to compare the response rates for known characteristics of schools, administrators, teachers, school districts, libraries, librarians, and student records, and to assess the extent and pattern of these differences. Where possible findings from the 1993-94 analyses are compared to results from an exploratory analysis of response rates from the 1990-91 SASS. In addition, the hierarchical nature of response rates is examined, and a multivariate model of unit response is developed for one of the SASS components (public schools) to explain the relationship between these factors and the level of unit response. The following chapters are included: (1) "Overview"; (2) "SASS Core Components"; (3) "New SASS Components"; (4) "Summary of Significance Tests"; (5) "Hierarchical and Cross-Classified Testing"; (6) "Measurement of the Sampling Frame and Cooperation Rates"; (7) "Nonresponse Modeling for the Public School Component"; and (8) "Highlights and Recommendations." Appendixes contain response rate tables and a description of tests of association between response status and characteristics. (Contains 80 tables, 64 figures, and 34 references.) (SLD)




An Analysis of Total Nonresponse in the 1993-94 Schools and Staffing Survey (SASS)


Book Description

This technical report presents results of an analysis of unit response rates for the components of the 1993-94 Schools and Staffing Surveys (SASS). The study was motivated by the general need to evaluate and improve the quality of SASS data and to identify potential sources of nonsampling error associated with nonresponse in SASS. As background, the report describes the survey design and nonresponse adjustment procedures for each of the components of the SASS. A primary focus of the analysis is to compare the response rates for known characteristics of schools, administrators, teachers, school districts, libraries, librarians, and student records, and to assess the extent and pattern of these differences. Where possible findings from the 1993-94 analyses are compared to results from an exploratory analysis of response rates from the 1990-91 SASS. In addition, the hierarchical nature of response rates is examined, and a multivariate model of unit response is developed for one of the SASS components (public schools) to explain the relationship between these factors and the level of unit response. The following chapters are included: (1) "Overview"; (2) "SASS Core Components"; (3) "New SASS Components"; (4) "Summary of Significance Tests"; (5) "Hierarchical and Cross-Classified Testing"; (6) "Measurement of the Sampling Frame and Cooperation Rates"; (7) "Nonresponse Modeling for the Public School Component"; and (8) "Highlights and Recommendations." Appendixes contain response rate tables and a description of tests of association between response status and characteristics. (Contains 80 tables, 64 figures, and 34 references.) (SLD)










In the Middle


Book Description

Prompted by widely held concerns about middle schools' academic rigor and the effectiveness of activities designed to help early adolescents develop in non-academic realms, many middle school educators have renewed efforts to develop curricula and instructional strategies that challenge students academically and expand their intellectual interests, to ensure that teachers receive appropriate training to meet student needs, and to create more nurturing and supportive environments. This report uses data from the Schools and Staffing Survey and the accompanying Teacher Follow-Up Survey to describe various aspects of middle schools, examine how they have changed over time, and compare middle schools with elementary and secondary schools. Following an introduction exploring policy issues related to middle schools, the report examines data in the areas of: (1) organization of schooling, including locations, size and other characteristics, and classroom organization and class size; (2) programs and services, including health-related services; (3) decision making and management, including site-based decision making and principals' and teachers' perceptions of their influence; (4) staffing, including qualifications, teacher workload, and staff turnover; and (5) school climate, including teacher satisfaction, and teachers' and administrators' ratings of problems at their schools. The concluding section of the report explores areas for future research. Tables and notes are appended. (Contains 66 references.) (HTH)













An Exploratory Analysis of Response Rates in the 1990-91 Schools and Staffing Survey (SASS)


Book Description

The Schools and Staffing Survey (SASS) is a periodic, integrated system of sample surveys on elementary and secondary schools in the United States that collects information on school and district administrators and teachers in public and private schools. This technical report is one in a series of methodological studies relating to the SASS of the National Center for Education Statistics. The report examines nonresponse, not as an indicator of survey data quality, but for the purpose of understanding potential biases in response data with an eye toward changing survey operations in the future. The analysis is exploratory in that it refers to the multivariate analysis of nonresponse. The four main goals of the report are: (1) summarizing known technical and evaluative information about response rates in the 1990-91 SASS round; (2) exploring the differences between respondents and nonrespondents through intensive study of the data; (3) identifying gaps in knowledge about nonresponse; and (4) suggesting priorities for future SASS research. Results indicate that the operation of the SASS is of the highest caliber, but that it can be improved in some ways. Notable among these is the suggestion that the SASS begin a methods test program to keep abreast of the changing nature of school reporting issues. Appendixes present a modeling example and basic response rate tabulations by SASS component. (Contains 87 tables, 7 appendix tables, 31 figures, and 79 references.) (SLD)