The document contents divide into (1) the basic flow model of an educational system and its application to the secondary school system of Ontario and (2) a group of interrelated submodels that describe the entrance to higher education in considerably finer detail. In the first section, the principal variable of the model--the transition…

The philosophical underpinning of the purposes of the community college, an examination of the basis for state financial support from a philosophical viewpoint, and an analysis of the ways in which the various states have implemented that philosophy in financial support programs are the central focus of this report. The four current patterns of…

Considers several aspects of quantitative relationships involved in learning physics. Includes discussions of proportionality, various kinds of equality, and the need for generality. Argues that clear distinctions are necessary if the physics curriculum is to be examined with regard to pupil outcomes. (TW)

It is suggested that elementary school students find rational numbers troublesome because some teachers have an inadequate understanding of rational number concepts and poor facility with rational numbers skills. How to help them overcome difficulties, develop concepts, and know what topics to emphasize are discussed. (MNS)

Discussion of possible applications of the microsimulation approach to analysis of population policy proposes compulsory sterilization policy for all of India. Topics covered include India's population problem, methods for generating a distribution of couples to be sterilized, model validation, data utilized, data analysis, program limitations,…

"EFF HOT (Highlights on Teaching Topics) Topics" is a publication of the EFF (Equipped for the Future) Center for Training and Technical Assistance. Each issue concentrates on a specific topic, highlighting examples of actual practice and offering strategies and tools for using EFF in the classroom. In this issue, "HOT Topics" focuses on the…

Presents a model using 1973 North Carolina data which shows that government, private nonprofit, and for-profit producers of child day-care services serve different markets. Estimates market demand for each center type, with different responses to demand elements such as income and labor force opportunities, and discusses implications for public…

Presents five computer programs: (1) Accurate Numerical Solutions of the One-Dimensional Schrodinger Equation; (2) NMR Simulation and Interactive Drill/Interpretation; (3) A Simple Computer Program for the Calculation of 13C-NMR Chemical Shifts; (4) Constants of 1:1 Complexes from NMR or Spectrophotometric Measurements; and (5) Saturation…

Discussed is the process of translating situations involving changing quantities into mathematical relationships. This process, called dynamical modeling, allows students to learn new mathematics while sharpening their algebraic skills. A description of dynamical systems, problem-solving methods, a graphical analysis, and available classroom…

Presents activities for the K-2, 2-5, 5-6, and 5-8 levels that require students to analyze information graphically. Asks the students to discuss, describe, read, and write about the graphs and the information they contain. Supplies accompanying worksheets. (MDH)

The effect of indebtedness (undergraduate loan burden) after college graduation on the decision to pursue a graduate degree was studied for 899 individuals from the High School and Beyond study. Level of undergraduate debt was not a significant choice determinant. Some limitations of the methodology are discussed. (SLD)

A three-level multivariate statistical modeling strategy is presented that resolves the question of whether the unit of analysis should be the teacher or the student. A reanalysis of U.S. high school data (51 Catholic and 59 public schools from the High School and Beyond survey) illustrates the model. (SLD)

To build understanding of, and the ability to use, first-year science and engineering calculus, students were introduced to differential equations and asked to carry out research on differential equation modeling projects. Describes a model for the research paper; appendices provide a copy of the student handout and five examples of student…

Presents evidence on sex differences in rank advancement in academic careers, and considers the relative importance of quality and quantity of publications. Results for 556 male and 450 female biochemists show the importance of time in rank and number of publications and that rates of promotion are lower for women. (SLD)

Results from the Maryland School Performance Assessment Program for 5,392 elementary school students and from the Comprehensive Tests of Basic Skills (multiple choice) for a national sample are used to explore local item independence (LID) of test items. Some strategies are suggested for measuring LID in performance assessments. (SLD)