Error analysis consumes much of the focus in introductory physics labs. Catastrophic cancellation is a spike in error that occurs when subtracting two measurements of roughly equal magnitude. Often termed "loss of significance" or "subtractive cancellation," this effect can easily relegate experimental results to utter…

Background: Evaluating diversity, inclusivity, and equity remains both a prevalent topic in education and a difficult challenge for most evaluators. Traditional metrics used to evaluate these constructs include questionnaires, focus groups, and anonymous comment solicitations. While each of these approaches offer value, they also possess a number…

This study investigated how three factors impacted performance on cost-volume-profit homework problems: language, formula use, and instruction. Students enrolled in Introduction to Financial Accounting (the first principles of accounting course) and Managerial Accounting (the second principles of accounting course) from eight different US colleges…

Proposition 209 banned the use of racial preferences in admissions at public colleges in California. We analyze unique data for all applicants and enrollees within the University of California (UC) system before and after Prop 209. After Prop 209, graduation rates increased by 4.4%. We present evidence that certain institutions are better at…

Representing the work of a Task Force on Community College Finance established by the California State Legislature, this report recommends criteria and standards for the implementation of a new program-based funding mechanism for the state's community colleges. After reviewing the legislative mandate for the implementation of program-based…

Designed to accompany the videotape, "Finance of California Community Colleges," this workbook contains information, worksheets, and forms designed to help viewers assimilate the videotape's presentations on the history and future of California community college finance, and on income and expenditures in community college budgets. First,…

The Teacher Load Index, a simplified method of comparing the teaching load of individuals in the California junior and community colleges, is presented in this report. First, the load measurement problem is addressed, revealing the inadequacies of the Credit Unit and the Weekly Student Contact Hour systems for measuring teacher load. Then, a…

Formula budgeting for college and university facilities maintenance is recommended because: (1) formulas inject objectivity into the budgeting process by using quantified data; (2) formulas tend to improve the equitability of treatment of comparable institutions; (3) formulas are intended to provide adequate but economical budgets; and (4)…

The process used by California to revamp its college and university space and utilization standards is described. It involved establishing four space utilization and planning principles (simplicity, flexibility, accountability, consensus) and developed square footage formulas for four space types (classrooms, teaching laboratories, research space,…