Survey Design/Development

• Canvass the research landscape for appropriate existing measures
• Modify existing instruments to meet the needs of our client's particular projects
• Develop surveys that meet our client's unique needs

 Survey Administration/Data Collection

• Develop sampling frameworks
• Advise on necessary sample sizes and response rates for obtaining statistically reliable data
• Survey administration methods:
  • Online (direct invitation via email, common surveys with public URLs, forwarded invitations (e.g., snowball sampling))
  • Paper/Pencil (using Machine Readable Format methods (i.e., scannable forms)
  • Telephone surveys
  • Mixed-method administration combining two or three survey formats
  • Develop creative solutions to meet our client's needs, including communication and outreach strategies

Data Analysis

• Conduct sophisticated statistical analysis for clients who have already collected their own data
• Analyze data collected through our own survey administration process
• Analytic methods used:
  • Cross-sectional analysis
  • Longitudinal analysis
  • Descriptive and inferential statistical approaches (chi-square, t-tests, ANOVA, Hierarchical Linear Modeling, regression, etc.)
  • Qualitative analysis of open-ended survey data

Data Reporting 

• Create reports for clients that are graphic in nature and easy to read
• Work with clients to find the appropriate degree of technicality in our writing to suit various audiences
• Transform static, tabled data into interactive dynamic data visualizations, where results are displayed and manipulated with the click of a mouse
  • Examine comparisons of interest
  • Visualize results using bar graphs, pie charts, heat maps, and other useful graphics that allow the user to configure details
  • Drill-down capabilities that enable "slicing" data by any dimension desired
  • Aid decision-making by allowing the client to examine resulting data in unique and unbounded ways
  • Deliver to client in web-based format that can be shared with an unlimited number of users via inter- or intra- net.
• Create recommendations based on survey findings rooted in our firm's vast experience providing educational consulting to school districts and state education agencies.

Survey Topics Previously Addressed

• Community satisfaction with district and school decision-making
• Perceptions of quality and effectiveness of professional development
• Satisfaction with special education services
• School climate
• Challenges and barriers faced by adult students in achieving degree completion
• Utilization of technology in the classroom
• Staff satisfaction with district infrastructure, workplace environment, district strategic plan, supervisor relationships, compensation and benefits
• Early childhood programs, supports, and training
• School and college level program offerings
• Perceptions of quality and effectiveness of systems and supports for school improvement efforts
• User satisfaction with curriculum management systems
• Quality and effectiveness of schools' use of data to make data-driven decisions
• Satisfaction with Supplemental Education Services
• Degree of program implementation achieved (specific to the grant or program being evaluated)
• Perceptions of quality and effectiveness of principal certification programs
• Student engagement in afterschool program offerings