The agreement between visual analysis and the results of the split-middle method of trend estimation was examined using a set of 24 stimulus graphs and 30 raters. Results revealed poor agreement between the two methods, and low sensitivity, specificity, and predictive ability for visual analysis in relation to statistical inferences. (JDD)

Reviewed are two computer software packages: "Algebra Concepts: Volume One," and "Data Insights." Each package is described and the strengths and weaknesses are highlighted. Costs and system requirements are listed. (CW)

Reports findings of a study that tested the geographic knowledge of preservice and inservice teachers using the same National Council for Geographic Education's test given to elementary and secondary students. Concludes geography instruction for teachers is inadequate and that this helps perpetuate geographic illiteracy in the United States.…

Discusses the implications of changing demographics on college campuses. Describes errors that may arise in statistical interpretations regarding womens' advancement in higher education. Urges minority groups to assume postures of collaboration rather that competition and stresses the importance of providing educational access to all who seek…

Presented is an approach to introducing upper division, undergraduate geology students to nonparametric statistics and their application to geologic data. Discussed are the use of the Mann-Whitney U and the Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests and a class assignment which illustrates their use. (CW)

Compares the principal-teacher interactions in an instructionally effective elementary school with those in an ordinary school. Findings about the principal of the more effective school include the following: (1) expressed concern and support; (2) had high instructional expectations; and (3) interacted frequently with teachers. (FMW)

This study investigated the effectiveness of a training sequence, based on Tough's categories of language use, to reduce the percent of reporting questions in relation to total questions; while increasing the percent of logical reasoning, predicting, and projecting questions used by student teachers (N=89) in leading discussions. (IAH)

Problems when developing and operating a successful student assessment program are described. Potential problems and solutions in three major areas are examined: the purposes and definitions of assessment, program implementation, and assessment designs and methods. (Author/MLW)

Findings from a study of 63 Texas teachers, which investigated the viability of the Alternative Certification Program (ACP) at University of Texas El Paso in training teachers, indicated that academic and classroom performance were similar for teachers from traditional teacher education programs, ACP teachers, and emergency permit teachers. (IAH)

Combining methodology from quantitative and qualitative paradigms can provide a rich database for understanding the leadership practice of the elementary school administrator. This combination of strategies allows for a more complete understanding of what influences educational input, process, and output. (16 references) (SI)

Identifies the content areas and academic variables that are significant predictors of success on the social studies component of the Georgia Teacher Certification Test. Finds that concentrated study in behavioral sciences is not advantageous while interdisciplinary approaches in geography, political science, and history better prepare prospective…

Effects of rating scale format and rater training on leniency and halo in student ratings of instruction were investigated. Subjects were students in a graduate theological seminary. The findings demonstrate the importance of focusing efforts to improve quality of ratings on the students rather than on the format of the instrument. (Author/MSE)

Rates children's responses to selected probing questions after they viewed a theatrical production. Finds that (1) those who received continuous class drama and theatre-viewing experiences since kindergarten gave more high-level responses; and (2) there was no significant difference between the way boys and girls responded to the questions. (MS)

Illustrates how the combined use of qualitative and quantitative methods were necessary in obtaining a clearer understanding of the process of incest in American society. Argues that the exclusive use of one methodology would have obscured important information. (FMW)

Describes the development of the Media Specialist Stress Inventory (MSSI), designed to examine the degree to which stress variables can be used to predict burnout levels of school library media specialists. The results of tests of the reliability and validity of the MSSI are presented and discussed. (31 references) (CLB)