Public Works, Inc. expertise in quantitative and qualitative methods includes:
* Site Visit and Case Study Research: Site visit and case study research methodology used to examine program implementation in depth, by gathering a wide range of stakeholder perspectives via interviews and observations.
* Focus Groups: Create focus group protocols as well as organize and conduct focus groups with students, teachers, parents, school site personnel and employers.
* Small- and Large-Scale Surveys: Design and administer surveys tailored to specific projects. Prior undertakings have canvassed multiple populations including: K-16 students, teachers and other staff, parents, school administrators and employers.
* Structured Classroom Observation: Targeted observations of classroom teaching practices used to examine teacher quality, effectiveness and adherence to the California Standards for the Teaching Profession.
* Rubrics and Benchmarks: Design and use of rubrics and benchmarks for scoring student work samples. Our staff is nationally recognized for its experience in improving performance-based assessment systems.
* Student Transcript Analysis: Examine students' opportunities to learn, curricular access and equity through transcript analysis, which targets secondary course enrollment and passing rates.
* Analysis of Outcome Data: Statistical analysis related to student academic achievement and school performance, including, but not limited to, standardized test scores (both norm- and criterion-referenced), school attendance, grade point averages, English language proficiency, college eligibility, and degree completion. Work in this area ranges from descriptive statistics to complex statistical modeling.
* Data Management: Technical assistance in the design and monitoring of formative assessment data, including data from literacy programs such as Open Court Reading and Success for All. In addition, we have developed systems for tracking the language acquisition of English Learners.
* Intake/Case Management: Development of intake, case management and follow-up systems for social service and education intervention agencies working to best support clients and track progress.
