An Overview of the National Household Education Survey, 1991, 1993, 1995, and 1996

Book excerpt: The National Household Education Survey (NHES) is a data collection system of the National Center for Education Statistics, which has as its mission the collection and publication of data on the condition of education in the United States. The NHES is specifically designed to provide information on educational issues that are best addressed by contacting households rather than educational institutions. The NHES, which was conducted in 1991, 1993, 1995, and 1996, is a telephone survey of the noninstitutionalized civilian population of the United States. From 45,000 to 64,000 households are screened for each administration and those who meet predetermined criteria are sampled for more detailed or extended interviews. This report presents an overview of the NHES survey program from 1991 to 1996, addressing specific aspects such as survey topics, sample design, and data collection. It discusses how the NHES has evolved over time, but is not intended to provide detailed information about each NHES cycle. The following components were surveyed in these years: (1) 1991--early childhood education and adult education; (2) 1993--school readiness, school safety and discipline--parent and youth interviews; (3) 1995--early childhood program participation and adult education; and (4) 1996--household and library screening and parent/family involvement in education and civic involvement--parent interview. (Contains three tables.) (SLD)