In 1984 "Economics of Education Review" paper, E. Bell indicates that, when capital markets are imperfect in a certain sense, demand for education may not always be directly related with present net value of education. This study shows Bell's paradox is possible under the alternative definitions of capital market imperfections and…

Learning processes have been investigated for regularities of the changes in the strength of a reflex that result from manipulations of several parameters of a stimulus. Most of this work has been carried out in the tradition of associative theory. One consequence of this emphasis was that for a long time several phenomena that can be…

Results from numerous school- and teacher-effectiveness studies suggest that variation between classes is more significant than variation between schools, though evidence often seems contradictory. This article considers why different studies generate different findings, identifies key study design issues, and relates these observations to…

Applies neural network methods for forecasting 1991-95 per-pupil expenditures in U.S. public elementary and secondary schools. Forecasting models included the National Center for Education Statistics' multivariate regression model and three neural architectures. Regarding prediction accuracy, neural network results were comparable or superior to…

This technical report provides an updated assessment of the problem of optimizing the periodicity of the Schools and Staffing Survey (SASS). Making use of data from three rounds of SASS data collection (for school years 1987-88, 1990-91, and 1993-94), the report extends and updates the preliminary findings and interim assessments that were…

Develops an approach for setting performance targets for schoolchildren, using data-envelopment analysis to identify benchmark pupils who achieve the best observed performance (allowing for contextual factors). These pupils' achievement forms the basis of targets estimated. The procedure also identifies appropriate role models for weaker students'…

Uses a (spatial-econometric) location weighing variable to examine how starting teacher salaries in one Ohio district are influenced by other regional starting salaries. A $1 increase in a neighboring district generates a $.51 to $.96 increase. Size and distance factors help account for spill-over effects. (Contains 34 references.) (MLH)

Corrects for potential bias and inconsistency in the estimated coefficient on market competition (among schools) by constructing a system of equations with endogenous expressions of student achievement and market competition. Policy makers seeking to improve student achievement should encourage market competition among schools. (Contains 13…

Computes rates of return to education in Singapore for 1980-1994, using the cost-benefit approach. Rates of return varied with education level. Although remaining higher than return rates for secondary education, those for tertiary education were declining. Polytechnic education enjoys the highest social/private return rates. (Contains 40…

This study investigated the dimensionality of mathematics subscale scores from the National Assessment of Educational Progress for the assessment's Technical Review Panel, specifically for the data from the 1990 and 1992 main assessment in relation to students' instructional and noninstructional background variables. Discriminant analysis was…

Simple sum procedure of the conditional PDF approach (plausiblity of distractor function) combined with the normal approach method was applied for estimating the plausibility functions of the distractors of the Level II vocabulary subtest items of the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills. In so doing, the normal ogive model was adopted for the correct…

Develops an empirical model for heterogeneous human capital investment decisions, using survey data from a cohort of Dutch workers. Applies the model to investment in three forms of enterprise-related training: technical, economic-administrative, and other. Results show that technical training yields the lowest wage gain, while other…

This report presents both a methodology for educational cost index computation and empirical evidence for determining the extent to which Missouri school district expenditures are beyond the control of local decision-makers. The author demonstrates considerable stability in the teachers' salary index from 1974-75 to 1975-76. The report extends…

This book shows the advantages of Rasch measurement (G. Rasch) for school district testing programs. The results of Rasch methods are contrasted with conventional statistics for assessing student responses to basic skills testing. Chapter 1 shows how the Rasch probability-based method produces measures that are more useful for students, parents,…

The 1987-88 Schools and Staffing Survey (SASS) looked at a national sample of elementary and secondary public and private schools. Components of the SASS, a data collection effort of the National Center for Education Statistics, were surveys of teacher demand and shortage, schools, administrators, and teachers. Approximately 13,000 schools and…