| Purpose: | The SPARC survey is the initial activity of a three year directed research project funded by the US Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs, PR Award # H3240000041. You should explore other sections of the SPARC web site to gain a more detailed description of the total research project. The aim of the SPARC survey is to obtain information as to where state public education systems are currently in addressing the issue of accountability for programs that serve children three (3) through 4 years of age. It is important to note that the project is addressing the issue for all children in preschool populations. It is expected that there will be significant variability on each aspect being examined in this survey. The survey is requesting four (4) different state level persons complete the survey. They include the 619 Coordinator, the persons identified as the State level Assessment Specialist/Director, Early Childhood Specialist and Special Education Director/Coordinator. |
| Philosophical Framework: | The current project is addressing accountability of programs for children 3-4 years of age funded by and the responsibility of the public school system. Most of these programs are referred to as either preschool or pre-kindergarten programs. Some states limit these programs for children with disabilities to meet the requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Other states also include three (3) and/or four (4) year olds without a disability. SPARC’s position is that a standard defines an basic attribute regardless of individual characteristics. Therefore, when items on the survey refer to children 3-4 years of age it is including all 3-4 year old children regardless of individual characteristics unless otherwise specified as a descriptor such as children from low income households or children with disabilities. There are situations in which 3 and 4 year old children eligible for services under 619, Part C of IDEA who attend programs in settings other than the public school. This issue is addressed specifically in items on the survey. Otherwise, the questions address the issue of accountability for the service(s) for which the school system has been designated as having financial responsibility. |
| Glossary: | The research that has been conducted over the past ten years on standards, large scale assessment and accountability systems has reported that confusion on the meaning of a term has been the largest barrier to interpretation of results as well as the ability to made sound comparisons. The SPARC web site includes a glossary of terms to assist in addressing this problem. We strongly urge respondents to go through the directory prior to completing the survey. In addition, the words that have been found to be confusing are linked from the survey text to the glossary. |
| Responses: | Many of the survey questions can be answered by more than one of the listed choices. Please check all that apply. We are looking for information about what respondents know about the question, not what they think the answer should be. There is space following each section where additional information can be provided. SPARC is eager for this information as well. It is important that information be provided in the correct area of the survey. |
| Survey Map: |
Please click below to complete each section of the survey: |