Services

School Research Evaluation and Measurement Services (SREAMS) provides the following five services:


1. Research, Statistical and Data Management & Presentation Services

SREAMS provides services related to the conduct of social research in both the quantitative and qualitative paradigms. This may include:


  • Conducting literature reviews, and formulating research questions;
  • Drawing samples for survey research and developing and administering questionnaires, interview schedules, observational checklists, etc.;
  • Performing statistical analysis of data including:
    • simple descriptive analysis of data,
    • hypothesis testing and inferential statistics,
    • analysis of categorical data,
    • sophisticated analysis of multivariate data,
    • structural equation modeling (SEM) using AMOS, LISREL or Mplus,
    • analysis of hierarchically sampled data using LISREL or Mplus (Multilevel modeling),
  • Conducting case studies.

    • SREAMS also provides services related to the manipulation of large and small data sets and the innovative use of graphing software to present meaningful summaries of that data. This may include:


    • creation of Excel tables and relational databases in Access, etc.,
    • analysis of compiled data looking for trends and noteworthy statistical inferences,
    • creation of menu and/or button driven programs that present summary data graphically within packages such as Excel and Access.

    2. Educational Measurement and Testing Services

    SREAMS provides psychometric services related to state-wide and other large-scale student achievement testing programs. This may include:


    • the translation of learning outcome statements into assessable and measurable test items and tasks,
    • development and trialling of tests items and tasks,
    • calibration of test item difficulties,
    • equating tests,
    • estimation of student ability levels.

    3. Evaluation Services

    SREAMS provides services related to the conduct of program evaluation. This may include:


    • conducting needs assessment analysis for program planning purposes,
    • conducting evaluations of program implementation and progress for program improvement (formative evaluation),
    • conducting evaluations of program outcomes to provide recommendations for future programs or provide advice on program strengths and weaknesses (summative evaluation).

    4. Resource Allocation Services

    SREAMS provides services to Government bodies concerned with the distribution of resources. This may include:


    • collecting and assembling data needed for the distribution of resources,
    • development of indices for the differential distribution of resources based on needs criteria,
    • development of School Budget Allocative systems.

    5. Teaching, Training and Professional Development

    SREAMS can provide teaching, training and/or professional development on many topics including:


    • structural equation modeling (SEM) using AMOS, LISREL or Mplus,
    • item response theory (IRT) using RUMM, Quest or ConQuest,
    • collection, analyse and interpretation of performance data.