Earnings functions have been widely used to estimate the returns to education and training. Many studies have relied on the Mincerian specification for the earnings function, which embodies several assumptions. A study of Brazilian workers' wages finds that the Mincerian specification yields upwardly biased estimates of the returns to education,…

Reports a project in which the cued spelling technique was utilized among seven to nine year olds. Concludes that cued spelling is a technique that children can successfully utilize in a peer-tutoring format after relatively brief training using a minimum of special materials. (DB)

Reports on a statistical study on student assessment of professors and courses. Discusses the loglinear probability model that was used to find that students' evaluations of an economics course and several behavior attributes of the course's instructor were interactive and significant. (DB)

Descriptive statistics of grading scales used in 371 Virginia high schools are discussed in light of the admissions decisions at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. An analysis of the effect of grading scales on admissions decisions is presented. Nontraditional analysis is recommended as an alternative for interpreting the complex…

Structural equation models merge multiple regression, path analysis, and factor analysis techniques into a single data analytic framework. Measurement models are developed to define latent variables, and structural equations are then established among the latent variables. Explains the development of these models. (KS)

Offers teachers a useful alternative to research methods of the natural science. Using an example of teacher-based action research in the classroom, the author helps to describe the purpose and most efficient execution of this method of research. Also discussed is the issue of validity and reliability. (ZWH)

Data from 127 urban and 39 rural elementary schools were used to examine the utility of Canadian census data for understanding differences in school-level academic achievement, and whether the method of constructing demographic variables affected their relationship to achievement. Indicators obtained with the enrollment method correlated more…

Examines sex and geographic representation in two books: "History of Public School Music in the United States" (Birge, 1937), and "A History of American Music Education" (Mark and Gary, 1992). Finds that both display statistically significant inequitable representation of sex and region of the country, with little improvement…

This paper discusses psychometric aspects of the functional analysis model in planned intervention with mainstreamed students having emotional/behavioral disorders. Discussion focuses on reliability and validity of clinical analysis of behavior and functional and structural analysis in the classroom. (DB)

Eighty-seven elementary students in grades four, five, and six, were administered a 30-item multiplication instrument to assess performance in computation across grade levels. An interpretation of student performance using error ratio analysis is provided and the use of this method with groups of students for instructional decision making is…

Describes recent developments in intelligence theory, applied measurements, and research methodology that suggests new research is needed to reexamine the relative importance of both general and specific cognitive abilities in explaining school achievement. Presents summary of results that examines relationship between "g" and seven…

Evaluates efficiency of a sample of Spanish secondary schools, focusing on the measurement model's theoretical specification and the "ex post" analysis of results. Highlights characteristics that differentiate the most efficient schools from the least efficient. Stresses the importance of employing information supplied by both…

Presents survey data based on 2,104 responses (9%) from Training Magazine subscribers. Special section includes "Training Budgets,""Where the Training Dollars Go,""Information-Technology Training," and "Training by Computer." (JOW)

This longitudinal study of social services and juvenile court files identified factors associated with court outcomes for drug exposed infants (N=118). Regression analysis suggested that mothers' compliance with court orders was the major predictor of court outcomes although chi square analysis found ethnicity, past referrals, and criminal record…

This paper addresses the conceptual issues of combining qualitative and quantitative methods in early intervention research by illustrating how two analytic approaches were used for different mixed-method purposes in the study of preschool inclusion. It describes practical strategies for conducting mixed-method data analysis in terms of data…