ECLS-K follows a nationally representative sample of about 22,000 kindergartners through the fifth grade, measuring their home and academic environments, opportunities, and achievements. The CD-ROM contains three data files, at the child, teacher, and school levels. Documentation is provided in separate files.
Documentation is provided in separate files.
Included in the contents are guidelines, checklists, and real-life examples. The 1999 survey included a compilation of key items from previous NHES surveys on early childhood program participation, family involvement in children s education, school readiness, civic and community involvement, and adult education activities. The User s Manual contains four volumes. Volume I provides information about the purpose of the study, survey questionnaires, the sample design, data collection and data processing procedures, and a brief guide to the data files. The program is intended to enhance the capability of the U.S. research community to use large-scale data sets, specifically those of the NSF and NCES, to conduct studies that are relevant to educational policy and practice, and to strengthen communications between the educational research community and government staff.