This study examines the application of the marginal maximum likelihood (MML) EM algorithm to the parameter estimation problem of the three-parameter normal ogive and logistic polychotomous item response models. A three-parameter normal ogive model, the Graded Response model, has been developed on the basis of Samejima's two-parameter graded…

Ways a microcomputer can be used to establish and maintain an evaluation database and types of data management features possible on a microcomputer are described in this report, which contains step-by-step procedures and numerous examples for establishing a database, manipulating data, and designing and printing reports. Following a brief…

In this activity students compile data from 50 countries on computer cards in order to make general statements about factors that contribute to modernization. (DE)

Short classroom activities designed to show how technological advances in transportation have increased world interdependence are provided. (DE)

Charts and activities designed to compare world military and public expenditures are provided. (DE)

Data and activities examining the sources and uses of energy are included. (DE)

The results of the study of 30 volunteer trainees suggest that, although trainers have little control over the kind of trainees sent to an external laboratory program and the type of organizations sending them, such control appears unnecessary. (BP)

The results of the study of 217 persons enrolled in 16 noncredit courses tend to indicate that the primary reasons persons enroll in a noncredit course are to accomplish goals which relate to the acquisition of knowledge. (Author)

The Model Accounting Plan (MAP) is a demographic accounting system designed to meet three major goals related to improving planning, evaluation, and monitoring of special education programs. First, MAP provides local-level data for administrators and parents to monitor the progress, transition patterns, expected attainments, and associated costs…

This report summarizes public library construction activities supported by the Library Services and Construction Act (LSCA), Title II, funds, as of fiscal year 1986. After a brief description of legislative background and an overview, the use of federal funds in support of public library construction is reviewed, and the impact of LSCA funding…

In March 1989, the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory entered into a contract with the Nevada Department of Education to develop this evaluation design for the Nevada Proficiency Examination (NPE) Program. The NPE program, mandated by state legislation, requires each school district to administer examinations in all public schools to…

The U.S. Senate Committee on Labor and Human Relations reviewed the National Academic Advisory Report Card Act of 1990 (Senate Bill 3095) to authorize the creation of a National Report Card to be published annually to measure the educational achievement of both students and schools and to establish a National Council on Educational Goals. The…

This manual is designed to familiarize data users with the procedures followed for data collection and processing of the base-year school component of the National Education Longitudinal Study of 1988 (NELS:88). A corollary objective is to provide the necessary documentation for use of the data files. The manual provides a wide range of…

The validity and reliability of aggregating individuals' perceptions of college organizational characteristics to more macro units of analysis were examined. The focus was the extent to which data collected in a national study met the internal consistency criterion for aggregating perceptual data to the institution level. The study assessed key…