The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), Institute of Education Sciences, U.S. Department of Education, will sponsor one 2½ day advanced studies seminar on the use of longitudinal data for research and policy analysis on July 19-21, 2011. This new dataset captures the coursework, experiences, activities, plans, motivations, and performance in algebra of a nationally representative sample of ninth graders, as well as the influences of schools, teachers, friends, and family in students’ decision-making about courses, college, and careers, especially in science, technology, engineering, and math.

PURPOSE AND EXPECTED OUTCOME

The overall goal of this seminar is to provide researchers with opportunities to use the new HSLS:09 data in substantive research. The seminar will include both lecture and hands-on instruction. Specifically, the seminar will include the following topics and activities:

• An overview of HSLS:09 sample design, data components, and coverage;
• Methodological and technological issues relevant to data use;
• Instruction and practice on how to analyze longitudinal data; and
• Hands-on experience in analyzing research issues posed by the participants.

At the conclusion of the seminar, participants will be asked to make a 4-minute presentation that summarizes analyses that the participant conducted during the seminar. This presentation will include a clear specification of study issues, rationale for the study, study approach (specifications of population, variables, design weights used, etc.), and preliminary analyses (using HSLS:09).

QUALIFICATIONS

Participants attending the seminar should have a solid understanding of statistical methods and be proficient in the use of SPSS or Stata or SAS statistical software packages. Participants will be expected to know how to perform basic SPSS or Stata or SAS procedures, including recoding data and running descriptive analyses (e.g., frequency distributions, cross-tabulations, means). Applicants will be evaluated on the following criteria:

• Significance of the proposed research and potential benefit from participation in the seminar;
• Consistency of the proposed research agenda with the data available in HSLS:09;
• Experience in educational research; and
• Knowledge and skills in statistical analyses and the use of statistical computer packages.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

There is no fee to attend the seminar. NCES will provide training materials as well as computers for hands-on practice. For out-of-town participants, NCES will also pay for transportation, hotel accommodations, and a fixed per diem for meals and incidental expenses during the training seminar.