The thrust of this research exploration is aimed at one of the most pressing social problems facing America today: segregation in the public schools. The school system is only one of a complex set of systems, all interrelated, that comprise the entity that we call a city. The geography of the school system--the location of facilities and the…

In August 1972, Kirkwood Community College began a research project to: (1) ascertain population and enrollment trends by various age groups for each of Iowa's 15 school areas and for the State as a whole; (2) ascertain potential enrollment by categories of students; (3) develop awareness of the relation of population and enrollment changes to…

This paper presents the concepts of a computer-directed system to improve human performance in structured learning situations. Attention is focused on finite-state systems in order to provide a systematic method for constructing training systems and to assist in analysis of problem solving and curriculum planning. The finite-state approach allows…

A hypothetical mathematical model of a school is presented to (1) illustrate what such a model would look like, (2) determine its value to decision makers, and (3) determine its data requirements. The model relates increases in achievement to student/staff ratio, a measure of staff quality, materials used, space available, effort in community…

Two mathematical models of paired-associate learning were used to develop optimal strategies for presenting spelling words to 42 elementary school children. The study was conducted within a computer-based drill-and-practice project. For the study two computer programs were developed. One program presented and corrected the lists of words. The…

A rationale for the use of gaming and simulation for instructional purposes is developed in the introduction to this paper. The major portion of the text is comprised of several models of computer programs for economics instruction. (SHM)

This statewide study achieved the following objectives: (1) It developed a methodology for conducting a benefit-cost analysis of vocational education programs in Florida; (2) It examined, compared, and analyzed public and private costs and benefits of four Florida vocational programs, (3) It compared public and private benefits and costs for…

A key factor in educational planning is providing for an adequate and appropriate supply of teachers for future occupational education needs. This study develops an economic demand and supply model for vocational teachers in secondary schools, a model of the market for teacher services. Data for the study were taken from census reports and from…

An elementary survey of item characteristic curve theory, centered around the problems of individualized (tailored) testing, is presented. Following the introduction, discussions are provided of the following: Test Theory for Itemized Tests; The Guttman Scale; Item Characteristic Curve Theory; An Alternative Model; Specialization, Application, and…

This report describes some models the author developed to investigate the simultaneous interaction of decisionmakers in a province-wide educational system and to help formulate educational policy for achieving specified enrollments and expenditures. In chapter one, the author describes the models that examine the process of simultaneous…

Alternative ways of analyzing data from Aptitude Treatment Interactions were examined over a two-year period. In light of past arguments the author maintains that the questions surrounding aggregation have been badly posed and that the customary methods of analysis were either incorrect or subject to misinterpretation. Therefore, the majority of…

The results of a study which used the regression discontinuity model in the analysis of criterion-referenced test data are presented and inherent drawbacks in the use of the regression discontinuity model with this type of data are discussed. The discussion is based on the results of an analysis of data collected in the Mesa, Arizona School…

The relationship between the level of income and the population of an urban area is a familiar concern in urban economics. Existing models of the relationship between income levels and urban population are considered to assume that there is a homogeneous labor force and, hence, a world in which there is no inequality in the size distribution of…

Although policy makers have expressed interest in expenditures by private elementary and secondary schools, nationally representative data in this area are not available. In the absence of expenditure data it may nevertheless be possible to derive national estimates of total expenditures by private schools indirectly, by using the information that…

New goals for mathematics education, including the need to teach mathematical processes, applications, and literacy to a broader array of students, are explored. Implications for teachers and curriculum developers are discussed, and the need for applying mathematical problem solving to social needs is pointed out. (PP)