Previous | Next |
ABOUT FACES
The Head Start Family and Child Experiences Survey (FACES) collects data on a nationally representative sample of Head Start programs, classrooms, teachers, parents, and children examining the quality and effects of Head Start. Three waves of data collection have occurred: in 1997, 2000, and 2003. Information presented in this publication is primarily based on the 2003 cohort, however, 1997 and 2000 data are also presented. Unless otherwise noted, the sample for the 2003 child outcomes analyses includes all 3-, 4-, and 5-year-old children who passed an English-language screener. All findings presented are statistically significant. Instruments used to collect data are presented below:
The Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test, Third Edition (PPVT) - which measures children’s word knowledge. The mean standard score for children of all income groups is 100, with a standard deviation of 15.
Selected scales from the Woodcock Johnson Psycho-Educational Battery (Revised) - including the Letter-Word Identification, Applied Problems, and Dictation Tasks, which assess children’s prereading skills, early counting and arithmetic skills, and prewriting skills. The mean standard score for children of all income groups is 100, with a standard deviation of 15.
Social Skills Scale - A summary index based on 12 items with 24 possible points related to children’s cooperative behavior and social skills.
Preschool Learning Behavior Scale (PLBS) - which contains 29 questions that assess the child’s approaches to learning, including the child’s motivation to learn and behaviors that enhance the child’s learning.
Problem Behaviors Scale - which contains 3 subscales: the Aggressive Behavior scale (4 items), Hyperactive Behavior scale (3 items), and Withdrawn Behavior scale (7 items).
Early Childhood Longitudinal Survey-Kindergarten Cohort (ECLS-K) Reading and General Knowledge Scales - The Reading scale taps skills that indicate reading ability, recognition of letters and phonemes, vocabulary, and reading comprehension. The General Knowledge scale taps skills in the natural sciences and social studies.
Parent Interview - which collects demographic information, parent report of their child’s activities and behavior, child’s and family’s health status, and volunteering and satisfaction with Head Start.
The Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale--Revised (ECERS-R) - which consists of 37 scales measuring a wide variety of quality-related processes occurring in the classroom. Items are rated on a 7-point scale, with the following anchors: (1) inadequate, (3) minimal, (5) good, and (7) excellent.
Classroom Activities Scale - completed by teachers to assess the extent to which literacy-related activities are taught in the classroom.
| Previous | Next |