Describes two research projects linking family processes with elementary school children's competence in school to provide examples of methodological issues related to investigations that cross systems of family and school. Issues discussed include gaining cooperation from school, recruitment and consent procedures, data collection and measurement…

Identifies 11 types of graduate student difficulties and suggests methods to help alleviate them. Difficulties include language barriers, cultural barriers, emotional barriers, lack of commitment, and lack of ability. Also describes certain personality traits that may impede achievement. (AIM)

Addresses two vital issues in international studies of educational achievement: the quality of data obtained from participating countries and the interpretation of those data. Contends that examples of problems in item development for international studies are related to the quality of the data and norms used in interpretation. (Author/NB)

Describes the evolution of national educational assessment in the United States, its present stage of development, methodological and reporting problems, and approaches applicable to assessment data. Examines how proposed approaches can be applied in the California Assessment Program and in the National Assessment of Educational Progress. (MJL)

This opening chapter provides an overview of the book. Chapter 2 of the book summarizes current data for problem behaviors among adolescents across five areas including: (1) substance abuse; (2) sexual behavior; (3) delinquency and violence; (4) depression and suicidal ideation; and (5) school failure. Next, chapter 3 addresses the efforts to stem…

This report focuses on topics and issues related to the global use of tobacco. It consists of an introduction and six major sections. These sections deal with: (1) the epidemic rate at which smoking is spreading, indicating that the global rate has grown nearly 75 percent over the past two decades and is growing at 2.1 percent per year, faster…

Presents a series of articles on the sociology of education in China. The articles address such topics as the establishment and directions of the field in China, the socialization and social aspects of learning in secondary schools, the social influences on achievement scores, adjusting the structure of the educational system, and the social…

A three-part intervention program for coping with antisocial children is examined. The three parts include parent training, academic remediation, and coping skills. (12 references) (SI)

This report examines the effectiveness of Title I of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act in meeting the special needs of underachieving students and describes the probable consequences of proposed cuts in Title I aid in seventeen southern States and Puerto Rico. A general description of Title I and the Federal role in educating the…

The view of higher education as a privilege, rather than a right, did not die with open admissions in the City University system. Rather, under pressures of the fiscal crisis of the 1970s, this view has regained its ascendancy as socially advantaged groups struggle to maintain their position. (Author/GC)

Even when the socioeconomic background is controlled, there is still a difference between blacks and whites in academic achievement. Studies have shown that, though social class is a factor in that difference, ethnicity is the primary factor. This report discusses ideologies that have tried to explain that ethnic difference. It discusses the…

Discusses the use of standardized achievement scores to measure the quality of practice-oriented school improvement activities in school districts. Focuses on four areas of concern: the multiple functions of schooling; documentation and data collection; real world complexities; and ethics. Recommends that cautions be taken against exclusive…

Explains the difference between everyday thinking and academic thinking. Maintains that children who experience academic learning problems may rely too much on everyday thinking skills. Relates examples of this problem in reading, mathematics, and science. (JDH)

Describes challenges facing College Board's efforts to expand Advanced Placement (A.P.) courses to provide equal access to previously underserved low-performing urban and rural school students while maintaining the program's high academic standards. Includes list of strategies school boards can use to achieve greater access to A.P. courses while…

Using data collected in 1977-78, the Evaluation System has computed fall and spring mathematics scores on the Prescriptive Mathematics Test (PMT) for classes of students in grades one through six. In addition, relationships of performance on the PMT to class size, attendance, percent of males in the class, number of different test levels used in a…