[ICPSR] [OR-Announce] Research Connections Announces Summer Workshop on Head Start Data

[Mark Thompson-Kolar]

Child Care & Early Education Research
Connections<http://www.researchconnections.org/childcare/welcome> will
present a free summer data workshop titled "Maximizing the Head Start
Impact Study: New Third Grade Follow-Up Data, Contextual Variables, and
Approaches to Understanding Variation in Impacts" on July 16-18, 2014, in
Ann Arbor, Michigan.

The Head Start Impact Study (HSIS) is a large, longitudinal, nationally
representative study of the Head Start Population, aimed at determining how
Head Start affects their school readiness. Join us for a fresh look at this
significant dataset, including discussion of new methodology for better
understanding impacts, and new variables that allow for contextual analysis
and follow-up of children through third grade. Participants will have time
to work on-site with all of the available data, with the instructors
providing guidance and support.

*Head Start Impact Study and the Third Grade Follow-up to the Head Start
Impact Study*

*Dr. Camilla Heid, Westat,* and *Ms. Ronna Cook, Ronna Cook Associates,*will
lead a session providing an overview of the study purpose, methods, and key
findings for the HSIS and the subsequent Third Grade Follow-up. The
presentation will include a discussion of the sample selection, random
assignment, instruments, analysis, basic weights, data files, and tips for
using the datasets.

*New Analysis Method: Impact Variation*

*Dr. Christina Weiland, University of Michigan,* will lead a session on
detecting and quantifying variation in the effects of assignment to Head
Start. She will cover the conceptual framework and statistical principles
behind this new and evolving methodology. Dr. Weiland also will present
findings on variation in the impacts of Head Start assignment.

*Added Variables: Neighborhood Data*

*Dr. Dana McCoy, Harvard University,* and *Ms. Maia Connors, NYU,* will
lead a session on the new publicly available neighborhood data associated
with the HSIS. This session will cover the origins of the neighborhood
data, descriptions of key variables, and tips for matching the data with
centers and center groups. The instructors will also present their own work
as examples of how the neighborhood data can be applied.

*Tips and Tricks*

*Dr. Christina Weiland, Dr. Dana McCoy,* and *Maia Connors* will lead a
session on tips, tricks, and lessons learned in using the HSIS data. This
session will deepen participants' understanding of particularly challenging
and complex aspects of these data. The session will cover a variety of
topics including decisions regarding the use of sampling weights, measures
of classroom quality, and choosing among similar variables. Participants
will have the opportunity to explore some of these issues and familiarize
themselves with the data in hands-on practice sessions.

Participants are expected to have a basic understanding of secondary data,
fundamental data analysis skills including multi-level modeling, knowledge
of SPSS, SAS, or Stata, and a substantive interest in early care and
education. Please include in your cover letter a description of any prior
experience with the HSIS. *The workshop is free, but enrollment is
limited. *Researchers interested in using this dataset to answer policy
relevant questions in child development and early care and education are
encouraged to apply. All applications must include a vita and cover letter
summarizing research interests and experiences. Admitted graduate students,
post-doctoral scholars, and junior faculty/researchers will be considered
for one of a limited number of stipends to help with travel and housing
costs. To be considered for one of these awards, applicants must also
submit a letter of support from a senior faculty member, mentor, or advisor.

*Application deadline:* May 30, 2014
*Workshop date:* July 16-18, 2014
*Location:* Ann Arbor, Michigan:
*Applications are competitive. A limited number of stipends will be awarded
to help with travel and housing costs*.

For more information or to apply, please visit the workshop course page at
http://www.icpsr.umich.edu/icpsrweb/sumprog/courses/0183
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