The Data Driven Mathematics Curriculum Project has produced 11 modules for use in grades 8-12. The modules integrate data analysis using real applications into the teaching of traditional mathematics topics. The data-analysis skills build connections between mathematics and other subjects and also outside the classroom. (AIM)

Introduces this special issue on multilevel models. The first two articles examine the application of multilevel modeling (MLM) in the evaluation of large-scale multi-site interventions. The next two articles focus on developmental and longitudinal data analysis, and the last two describe innovative applications of MLM. (SLD)

In this article, the author describes the ways in which a statistical consultant can help with projects. He gives advice on how to choose a statistical consultant and when to call a one. Sections in this article include: (1) Choosing a Consultant; (2) Clear Expectations; and (3) Desirable Qualities. The author directs that one should choose a…

Effects of incomplete data on fit indexes remain relatively unexplored. We evaluate a wide set of fit indexes (?[squared], root mean squared error of appproximation, Normed Fit Index [NFI], Tucker-Lewis Index, comparative fit index, gamma-hat, and McDonald's Centrality Index) varying conditions of sample size (100-1,000 in increments of 50),…

A reply in relation to Campbell's rule is presented where the issues of discrepancies in the average value between the two values is discussed and the graphical analysis which had uncovered an aspect of selecting a numerical value for Campbell's rule that was earlier overlooked is appreciated. The cause of the discrepancies in the average value…

The race differences in patterns of asset accumulations were examined using PSD data for 1984, 1989 and 1994. The results indicate that inheritances led to wealth accumulations among whites as compared to the African Americans.

This article looks at stages one and two of a three-stage process for success. Over the last decade, schools and districts have become increasingly sophisticated in their collection, storage, and analysis of data. And with the rise of NCLB, the focus of data analysis has been largely trained on ways to help schools achieve Adequate Yearly…

With the increasing diversity in classrooms, teachers are faced with a broad range of students representing a wide variety of educational needs. To effectively address students' diverse education needs, teachers must engage in good decision making. This article explores the bidirectional relationship between differentiation and assessment through…

Objective:: To measure the durability of improvement in response to two alternative treatments for sexually abused children. Method:: Eighty-two sexually abused children ages 8-15 years old and their primary caretakers were randomly assigned to trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) or non-directive supportive therapy (NST) delivered…

Multilevel analysis is an appropriate tool for the analysis of hierarchically structured data. There may, however, be reasons to ignore one of the levels of nesting in the data analysis. In this article a three level model with one predictor variable is used as a reference model and the top or intermediate level is ignored in the data analysis.…

By postulating that the random utilities associated with the choice options follow a multivariate normal distribution, Thurstonian models (Thurstone, 1927) provide a straightforward representation of paired comparison data. The use of Monte Carlo Expectation-Maximization (MCEM) algorithms and limited information approaches have been proposed to…

The key to school improvement in schools with standardized curriculums is the data obtained from frequent assessments of student performance. Principals and teachers can use this data not only to determine how well their students are learning but also to identify areas where intervention or changes in instruction are needed.

A multivariate reduced-rank growth curve model is proposed that extends the univariate reduced rank growth curve model to the multivariate case, in which several response variables are measured over multiple time points. The proposed model allows us to investigate the relationships among a number of response variables in a more parsimonious way…

Purpose: The paper seeks to show that narrative close call reporting is one strand of an ongoing collaborative inquiry project with 300 staff aiming to improve teamwork in operating theatres in a large UK hospital. How teams deal with close calls ("accidents waiting to happen") reveals resourcefulness but exposes flaws, including…

This study was performed to examine the effects of movement velocity and maximal concentric and eccentric actions on the bilateral deficit. Eighteen female participants performed maximal unilateral and bilateral knee extensions concentrically and eccentrically across six movement velocities (30, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180[degrees]/s). Repeated…