In studies involving matrix sampling on items, it is often the case that there are too few responses per individual to use latent trait item response models. A model is formulated wherein individual level variability appears as independent error within the cells of a cross classification of demographic variables. (JKS)

A decision support application based on the Markov analytic model is described, and its use in the formation of policy concerning reduction in force and work force distribution is illustrated through the comparative modeling of two personnel management policies. (MSE)

Differences in the corrected state rankings on Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) scores are explained by the percentage of students taking the test and by student composition by sex, race, and average family income. Higher state per capita educational expenditures are significantly related to higher average SAT scores. Policy implications are…

Describes study of manual and experimental automated circulation systems in a university library in Nigeria. Data were collected for eight circulation activities in order to calculate the direct labor costs of circulating a book on each system. Automated system's book circulation costs were higher although direct labor costs were less. (MBR)

Public school teachers earn more money, and possess more of the characteristics valued in the teaching market, than do private school teachers. Organizational and ownership structure of schools appears to make a difference in teacher salaries. Profit-making schools are among the lowest paying, second only to parochial schools. (Author/MD)

Elementary and secondary teachers (N=323) were surveyed to determine teacher use of post hoc classroom test statistics and the relationship of inservice practices to background and instructional characteristics. Results indicate teachers do not analyze test results by methods prescribed by measurement specialists. Implications for preservice…

Classifies errors as either systematic or blunder and uncertainties as either systematic or random. Discusses use of error/uncertainty analysis in direct/indirect measurement, describing the process of planning experiments to ensure lowest possible uncertainty. Also considers appropriate level of error analysis for high school physics students'…

In order to highlight the importance of identifying children with elevated blood lead levels, the Illinois Department of Public Health produces its surveillance report to present state and county level data on the number of children screened for and identified with lead poisoning. In Illinois, all children between 6 and 84 months of age must be…

Because California lacks a statewide teacher data system, serious gaps in the collection, use, and availability of teacher workforce data compromise efforts to plan and monitor the workforce at both the state and local levels, leaving policymakers and education officials with little in-depth understanding of the current shortage of qualified…

In order to measure Internet access in U.S. public schools, the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) surveyed a nationally representative sample of public schools in 1994. Subsequent surveys in 1995, 1996, and 1997 enabled NCES to track growth in this area. This Issue Brief presents information on: how much progress the schools have…

This document presents synthesized estimates of the rates of level 1 literacy by congressional district in the 50 states and District of Columbia. The estimates are extrapolations of the National Adult Literacy Survey (NALS) that were based on the findings of approximately 26,000 interviews. The document begins with an introduction containing the…

The publicly available statistical information on U.S. public school districts to date has been limited to certain demographic characteristics of districts, student enrollment and racial composition, and the numbers of teachers. To enlarge this fund of knowledge, information on the variety of attributes, policies, and practices of public school…

In 1994 the General Assembly of the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA) decided to undertake a study on civic education. This volume reports on Phase 2 of the project, which consisted of a test (keyed cognitive items) and a survey (un-keyed attitudinal and behavioral items) administered in each…

This report describes one approach toward setting standards to determine performance level cut scores for an alternative assessment for students with disabilities. First, it considers requirements for inclusion of students with disabilities in educational assessments under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The proposed methodology…

This manual is a first effort to begin to identify, describe, and develop procedures for assessing various aspects of digital reference service. Its overall purpose is to improve the quality of digital reference services and assist librarians to design and implement better digital reference services. More specifically, its aim is to: assist…