| Session Title: Recognizing Subtexts Within the Context of Evaluation |
| Think Tank Session 766 to be held in Suwannee 13 on Saturday, Nov 14, 10:55 AM to 11:40 AM |
| Sponsored by the Pre-K - 12 Educational Evaluation TIG |
| Presenter(s): |
| Ann Davis, Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory, davisa@nwrel.org |
| Discussant(s): |
| Phyllis Campbell Ault, Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory, aultp@nwrel.org |
| Ann Davis, Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory, davisa@nwrel.org |
| Ann Davis, Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory, davisa@nwrel.org |
| Abstract: Randomization is touted as an exemplary design by researchers, yet even in randomized studies, subtexts within a study's context should be considered. Using the context of an early childhood Home Educator Study, this Think Tank focuses on the key question: In what ways do subtexts influence the context of evaluation? Subtext issues will be discussed within a study case with an experimental design including 145 families, all low income, and predominately Spanish speaking. Families recruited from rural Washington State were randomly assigned to "treatment" or comparison groups. The study hopes to ascertain the effect on kindergarten readiness, for children of families who received sustained home visits, initiated when children were two-years old. Each small group in the Think Tank will explore one of three subtext themes: (1) The importance of hiring community members as Home Educators (2) Early childhood education means early parent/family education (3) Use of appropriate, culturally-responsive measures |