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IES Conferences, Workshop/Training & Technical Assistance
SASS, TFS, and PFS Database Training Seminar
   Using the Schools and Staffing Survey (SASS) and Teacher Follow-up Survey (TFS) for Research and Policy Discussion

Description:

The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), U.S. Department of Education, will sponsor a 2½-day advanced studies seminar on the use of the Schools and Staffing Survey (SASS), Teacher Follow-up Survey (TFS), and Principal Follow-up Survey (PFS) for research and policy discussion.

Purpose and Expected Outcome

The overall goal of the seminar is to provide researchers with the opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to utilize a comprehensive resource on K-12 education in the nation. The 2½-day seminar will include both lecture and hands-on instruction. Programming instruction will be provided in SAS and SUDAAN. Specifically, the seminar will include the following:

  • An overview of the 2007-08 SASS/2008-09 TFS/2008-09 PFS sample design, data content, and research potential;
  • Methodological and technical issues relevant to data use; and
  • Individual assistance in answering research questions.

Participants will be trained in the use of SASS/TFS data, appropriate estimation, and other topics deemed relevant.  Specifically, participants will receive hands-on experience merging, manipulating, and analyzing data to address their research questions.  At the conclusion of the seminar, participants shall submit a summary of their preliminary analysis results.

Qualifications

Participants attending this seminar should have a solid understanding of statistical methods, be experienced in using personal computers, and be proficient in the use of SAS, SPSS or Stata statistical software packages. The training will use SAS but also provide support for SPSS and Stata.

Applicants will be evaluated on:

  • Significance of the proposed research and potential benefit from participation in the seminar;
  • Appropriateness of SASS, TFS, or PFS data to address proposed research agenda;
  • Experience in educational research;
  • Knowledge and skills in statistical analyses and the use of statistical computer packages; (Please see the attached application form for specific questions pertaining to your level of experience.)
  • SASS restricted-use license is preferred, but can apply “for training.”

Financial Support

There is no fee to attend this 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 incurred during the training seminar.

Type: Workshop/Training & Technical Assistance
Audience: This seminar is open to institutional researchers, education practitioners, and policy analysts from state and local education agencies and professional associations, as well as advanced graduate students and faculty members from colleges and universities nationwide.
Location: Washington, DC Area

Dates: July 12-14, 2011
Organization: National Center for Education Statistics
Contacts:   Contact Vukovic, Gordana from Synergy Enterprises, Inc. at (240) 485-1700
Sponsors: