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Vermont Survey on Financial Planning for Education
Macro evaluated Vermont parents' and students' opinion of the format, timing, and quality of materials offered by Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC) to help in higher education financial planning. Macro used a mixed methodological research design consisting of a Macro Poll (a telephone survey of a representative sample of Vermonters) and six focus groups across the State. Macro provided detailed analysis of the results in a final report. VSAC used these results to refine the materials and services they offer to Vermont citizens.
Evaluation of Technology-Based Learning Grants
Macro is the external evaluator for the Maryland Star Schools grant, which provides resources to teachers to help them integrate television and other digital technologies into their classrooms to enhance student learning. Macro provides valuable formative feedback to the Maryland Star Schools Consortium partners including Maryland Public Television, the statewide educational telecommunications network, Johns Hopkins University's Center for Technology in Education, and the four largest Maryland public school systems.
Student Loan Program Evaluation
As part of a 5-year evaluation for the U.S. Department of Education to assess the Federal Direct Loan Program, Macro collected information from schools and students, comparing experiences in the new program and the existing guaranteed loan programs in terms of satisfaction with services provided and the perceived burden. We conducted an annual mail survey of a nationally representative sample of institutions that participated in both programs. We also surveyed a nationwide sample of student borrowers using computer-assisted telephone interviewing (CATI) technology to find out about their experiences with their loans. In preparing case studies, we went to 2-year, 4-year, and proprietary schools in the Direct Loan program to learn about program implementation and administration.
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