One major issue with large-scale assessments is that the respondents might give no responses to many items, resulting in less accurate estimations of both assessed abilities and item parameters. This report studies how the types of items affect the item-level nonresponse rates and how different methods of treating item-level nonresponses have an…

Results of the American Sociological Association's first survey of graduate departments in sociology shows a striking similarity among programs in terms of course requirements, number of credits, and thesis requirements. Authors suggest that the apparent absence of diversity may be a matter of concern for the discipline. (Author/DH)

A survey was undertaken to ascertain postgraduate career activity of psychology majors who graduated from college between 1973 and 1978. Findings indicated that students encountered a wide choice of jobs after graduation, that they were generally satisfied with the psychology major program, and that they expressed the greatest need for coursework…

The present study investigated the correlation and predictive value of curriculum-based measurement (CBM) procedures for performance on the Michigan Educational Assessment Program's (MEAP) fourth grade reading assessment. A 1-minute oral reading sample was used to predict MEAP performance 2 weeks later. A positive correlation was established…

Discusses data relating to performance of students on achievement tests. Describes an achievement study, the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), which follows achievement trends in basic skills, general subject matter, humanities, and fine arts. (Author/DB) Aspect of National Assessment (NAEP) dealt with in this document: Program…

Using several assumptions about the supply, productivity, and use of optometrists in Puerto Rico to 2000, several possible supply-demand situations are projected. The role of the Inter American University in these situations is discussed, based on graduates' probable practice locations and the school's program design. (MSE)

Looks at four sources for measuring national student performance: (1) the National Assessment of Educational Progress study of basic skills; (2) competency testing in reading, writing, and arithmetic; (3) college entrance examination scores; and (4) rates of educational attainment by sex, race, ability level, and socioeconomic status. (SK)

Announced is an approval service for associate degree programs in chemical technology at two-year colleges. Features of the program and ways that institutions may become involved in the program are discussed. (CW)

Reviews trends from 1971 to 1982 primarily as revealed by Department of Education statistics. Enrollment, number and size of schools and districts, student-teacher ratios, programs for exceptional children, basic courses, computer applications, revenues, expenditures, cost-cutting, student performance assessment, state provisions to improve…

Forty-nine state superintendents of public instruction responded to the sixth biannual assessment of U.S. gifted/talented education programs. The questionnaire addressed the following topics: certification requirements for teachers, state funding, impact of tax limitation measures, state guidelines for gifted/talented programs, student selection…

Begins with a look at the year's major education news: implications of the massacre at Columbine High School, major Supreme Court decisions, and pro- and anti-voucher political rhetoric. Following is an analysis of how the nation is doing on the Goals 2000. Other sections take the pulse of public education and analyze the challenges faced by…

Ideally, there should be a global statistical picture of TVET presenting, for every country in the world, data such as: (1) Enrolment rates by gender, age and programme; (2) The relative proportions of people enrolled in general and vocational programmes; (3) The relative proportions enrolled in programmes provided by enterprises, government and…

Veterinarians were surveyed to determine topics that were overemphasized in their professional education, topics that should have been emphasized more, and specific changes that would improve veterinary education. The survey results are tabulated. (BH)

This 13th annual edition of "Education Vital Signs" reports on indicators of school and student success, such as parent involvement, academic coursework, high school completion, technology use, achievement test scores, and student performance on reading, math, and science assessments. Also offers state-by-state statistics and a profile of school…

Using standard data sources, information is presented for each state on the importance of rural education to the state's overall educational performance and the urgency for state policymakers to develop explicit rural education policies. The 8 importance and 11 urgency indicators for each state are presented in table and graph form, and…