Research Projects and Reports

School Reform Initiatives

Evaluation of Next Generation School Projects (2002)

This project assessed changes resulting from implementation of 12 Next Generation School Project (NGSP) site activities funded in 2001-2002. An evaluation, using locally identified performance standards and measures, standardized test scores, and other indicators of achievement, was designed. Additionally, individual evaluations of each of the 12 sites was conducted; including an on-site visit to observe project activities, interview project staff, and gather documentation.

Client: Georgia Partners for Excellence in Education

Reports

Harnish, D., Thompson, J., Brown, C., & Thornton, G. (2002). Next Generation School Project 2001-2002 evaluation report. Occupational Research Group, UGA.

Harnish, D., Brown, C., Denero, S., Denero, W., & Thompson, J. (2002). External evaluators report: On-site observation visits. Next Generation School Project 2001-2002 evaluation. Occupational Research Group, UGA.

Evaluation of 2000-2001 Next Generation School Project (2001)

This project assessed changes resulting from implementation of 12 Next Generation School Project (NGSP) site activities funded in 2000-2001. An evaluation, using locally identified performance standards and measures, standardized test scores, and other indicators of achievement, was designed. Additionally, and individual evaluation of each of the 12 sites was conducted; including an on-site visit to observe project activities, interview project staff, and gather documentation.

Client: Georgia Partners for Excellence in Education

Reports

Harnish, D., & Thompson, J. (November 2001). Next Generation School Project 2000-2001 evaluation. Occupational Research Group, UGA.

Harnish, D., LaBoon, S., Brown, C., Brown, T., & Thompson, J. (June 2001). Next Generation School Project 2000-2001 evaluation: Site visits by external evaluator. Occupational Research Group, UGA.

Evaluation of 1999-2000 Next Generation School Projects (phase 2) (2000)

This project assessed changes resulting from implementation of 12 Next Generation School Project (NGSP) site activities funded in 1999-2000. An evaluation, using locally identified performance standards and measures, standardized test scores, and other indicators of achievement, was designed. Additionally, an individual evaluation of each of the 12 sites was conducted; including an on-site visit to observe project activities, interview project staff, and gather documentation.

Client: Georgia Partners for Excellence in Education

Reports

Harnish, D., Beckman, D., & Thompson, J. M. (November, 2000). Next Generation School Project 1999-2000 evaluation. Occupational Research Group, UGA.

Harnish, D., Beckman, D., & Thompson, J. M. (November, 2000). Next Generation School Project 1999-2000 evaluation. Occupational Research Group, UGA.

Harnish, D., Beckman, D., Thompson, J. M. (November, 2000). Next Generation School Project 1999-2000 Evaluation: Appendices. Occupational Research Group, UGA.

Evaluation of 1998-1999 Next Generation School Projects (phase 1) (1999 - 2000)

This project assessed changes resulting from implementation of NGSP activities funded in Georgia's schools for the 1998-1999 academic year. Information used in the assessment included student progess measured by test scores (pre-post) on ITBS achievement tests and descriptive data for the 16 FY99 and 6 continuing sites.

Clients: Georgia Partners for Excellence in Education

Report

Harnish, D., Thompson, J., & DiStefano, C. (January 2000). Next Generation School Project 1998-1999 evaluation. Occupational Research Group, UGA.

Georgia Reading First Program Evaluation (2001)

This project evaluated Georgia's Reading First Program as compared to other reading programs used in elementary schools. ORG staff conducted 20 focus group discussion meetings with reading program teachers and administrators across the state to assess the implementation and effectiveness of Georgia's Reading First program.

Client: Georgia Department of Education

Report

Harnish, D., Miller, P., & Thornton, G. (July 31, 2001). Final report on focus group meetings for Reading First evaluation. Occupational Research Group, UGA.

Field Observations for Reading First and Reading Challenge Program Evaluations (1999)
ORG conducted on-site observations at 35 program sites to gather information about Reading First and Reading Challenge prgorams as part of a comprehensive evaluation of these program.

Client: Georgia Department of Education

Reports

Harnish, D., Fisher, J., Miller, P., Reybold, L. E., & Rieger, B. (August 1999). Georgia Reading Challenge program evaluation: On-site observations of schools. Occupational Research Group, UGA.

Harnish, D., Fisher, J., and Rieger, G. (July 1999). Georgia Reading First program evaluation: On-site observations of schools. Occupational Research Group, UGA.

Charter School Discussion Group Evaluation Project (2000 - 2001)

This inquiry solicited input on the implementation and effectiveness of charter schools established in Georgia. Project staff members designed focus group protocol (questions, agenda, procedures), scheduled, and facilitated 28 focus group meetings with teachers, parents, administrators, and system personnel involved with Charter School across the state. The data from the focus groups were summarized and analyzed to make recommendations to the funding agency.

Client: Georgia Department of Education

Report

LaBoon, S., Miller, P., Harnish, D., & Thompson, J. (March 2001). Report of the implementation and effectiveness of Georgia's charter schools: Appendices A-G. Occupational Research Group, UGA.

Qualitative Research on CrossRoads, The Alternative Schools Program in Georgia (1995)

This 3-part qualitative assessment of the Crossroads Alternative School Program in Georgia consisted of 18 focus group meetings with students, teachers, and administrators;case studies of 2 CrossRoads school sites; and 6 focus group meetings with parents of CrossRoads students.

Client: Georgia Department of Education

Reports

Guthrie, D., & Harnish, D. (December 1995). An evaluative assessment of the CrossRoads alternative schools in Georgia: Follow-up with parent focus groups. Occupational Research Group, UGA.

Karlin, S., & Harnish, D. (August 1995). Evaluation of Two CrossRoads Alternative School Program Sites in Georgia. Occupational Research Group, UGA.

Karlin, S., & Harnish, D. (July 1995). A statewide evaluative assessment of the CrossRoads alternative schools in Georgia. Occupational Research Group, UGA.