This is a report of a project investigating students' perceptions of the extent to which their own efforts influence their achievement at mathematics and their life opportunities. We conducted two hour interviews with over 50 students, as well as collecting other data. Even students who were confident, successful and persistent exhibited short…

In this study, data from ECLS-K are used to estimate the degree to which specific aspects of teacher training--the teaching credential and coursework in pedagogy--and teaching experience are associated with student achievement. In addition, the study identifies the teacher-reported instructional practices associated with student achievement gains…

Northwest Evaluation Association regularly conducts studies of alignment between the RIT scale and the scales used for statewide achievement tests. In recent years, educational experts have put increasing emphasis on the need for triangulation of student achievement information in order to assure that important educational decisions are based on…

This study examined trends in student achievement on the American College Testing Program (ACT) Mathematics and Science Reasoning tests, as well as trends in percentages of students taking a core curriculum and expressing an intent to major in a mathematics- or science-related field. The data on which analyses were conducted consisted of all valid…

Trends in the achievement gap between black and white students on Delaware state assessments were studied for 1993 to 2001 for reading and mathematics for grades 3, 5, 8, and 10, and patterns of academic achievement toward the standards were studied for black and white students from grades 3 to grade 5 and from grade 8 to grade 10 in reading and…

A simulation study was conducted to explore the potential of state assessment scores to improve adjustments for nonparticipation (McLaughlin, Gallagher, and Stancavage, 2004). That study found that state assessment scores could potentially be more effective than demographic information in removing the bias related to absences. The present study…

The purpose of this report is to provide performance data on Iowa's adult basic education (ABE) target populations based on the Comprehensive Adult Student Assessment System (CASAS) Employment Competency System Appraisal Form 130 in the areas of reading and mathematics. This report is designed to supplement the data reported in the study titled,…

Hierarchical linear modeling was used to examine the effects of individual and classroom level factors on reported value of mathematics for students (n=557) in grades three, four, and six. Data for this study came from the "Childhood and Beyond" study. Results indicated that the use of computers and computer efficacy were both positively related…

This study investigated the nature of spatial ability, as measured by four instruments based on spatial orientation and visualization, and its relationship to the mathematical performance of elementary school pupils. Participating in the study were 127 elementary school students, 72 boys and 55 girls, ages 10 to 11 years. Spatial ability was…

The student variables associated with scoring above the international mean on the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) were studied in a group of U.S. students who took advanced mathematics or advanced mathematics and physics. The total sample was 2,349, with 1,158 females and 1,191 males. Formal parent education level and…

This annual report examines student achievement in U.S. schools, using evidence released in the previous 12 months to investigate the enormous gap between the U.S. and other nations in mathematics achievement and analyze the gap in reading achievement between the nation's best and worst fourth-grade readers. The report also explores the culture of…

Information is provided on the content standards and work to achieve them for mathematics in one Colorado school district and reading and writing in another. The six mathematics content standards of the Weld County school district are outlined for kindergarten through grade 12 (K-12), and performance standards are also described and illustrated…

The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) represents a commitment by OECD member countries to monitor the outcomes of educational systems in terms of student achievement within a common international framework. This publication presents the guiding principles of…

This report presents district-by-district achievement data on 57 major city school systems in reading and mathematics. State assessment results were collected from state Web sites, reports, and databases. Data were analyzed by race/ethnicity when reported. Overall, the Great City Schools have made meaningful gains in math scores on state…

An evaluation was conducted to examine the extent to which the District Mathematics Plan (DMP) initiatives of the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), California, such as adopting standards-based textbooks and professional development opportunities, have led to improvement in classroom practices and student outcomes. The evaluation…