This study applied self-efficacy theory to assess empowerment to advocate on behalf of tobacco control policies. The Youth Tobacco Survey with added policy advocacy self-efficacy, attitudes, and outcome expectations scales was given to 9,177 high school students in Texas. Asians showed the lowest prevalence of experimentation and current smoking,…

The academic progress of minority and nonminority community college transfer students toward baccalaureate degree completion was studied using term-by-term longitudinal files. The study sample consisted of 1,179 students entering community college in fall 1985 as first-time students and transferring to the university by 1991, and 990 students…

The Schools and Staffing Survey (SASS) of the National Center for Education Statistics provides periodic, timely data on public and private elementary and secondary schools in the United States. Data collected include: school and teacher characteristics; school operations, programs, and policies; teacher demand and supply; and the opinions of…

This paper describes empirically tested strategies for containing mailed questionnaire costs while maximizing survey response rates. Survey focus, critical to gaining respondent interest and completion of the survey instrument, should be selected on the basis of the theme of the study in order to reduce survey length and yield more in-depth and…

This study explored the possibility of developing classroom strategies that would encourage physics teachers to put greater focus on a more qualitative, metacognitive approach to problem solving. The empirical part of this research was carried out with students approximately 16 years of age in physics (i.e., introductory Newtorian mechanics)…

The Prince George's County (Maryland) school system has developed a database warehouse system as an evaluation data support tool for fulfilling the system's information demands. This paper described the Research and Evaluation Assimilation Database (READ) warehouse support system and considers the requirements for data used in evaluation and how…

Although the federal Goals 2000 program provides supplemental funding for systemic education reform, states' fiscal abilities to finance systemic reform are stressed. This paper presents findings of a study that analyzed the extent of fiscal equity present in the southern states and examined the status of systemic reform, school-finance…

This paper presents preliminary findings of an ongoing research survey of 386 senior local and 59 central public administration practitioners in Britain, and used a modified survey instrument initially used at Kentucky State and Indiana State Universities. After setting out some of the similarities and differences between public administration…

The large difference in average achievement test scores between white students and black students is exacerbated in Pennsylvania by the fact that 90% of the black students are enrolled in only 9% of the state's 500 school districts. The nature of this achievement gap was examined, focusing on the variation of the gap's size as measured within a…

This report contains data on the educational attainment of persons in the United States from the Current Population Surveys conducted by the Bureau of the Census in March 1992 and 1993. Summary data on educational attainment by age, sex, race, and Hispanic origin are shown for both years in Table 1. Other detailed data are shown for 1993 in tables…

Numerous theories have attempted to explain possible factors relating to an individual's propensity for engaging or failing to engage in preventative health behaviors. The Health Locus of Control (HLOC) is now considered to be an important variable for understanding an individual's likelihood for following health promoting behaviors. This paper…

This report summarizes some of the key findings of a survey of the Connecticut public that was conducted as part of the Year of the Library Project by the Institute for Social Inquiry at the University of Connecticut. The purpose of the study was to explore public attitudes that might be relevant to improve and broaden use of library services. The…

This research study used a system of microcomputers interconnected with electronic meeting system software as a possible means of overcoming the grading and participation disparity problems associated with group work sessions conducted in face-to-face meetings. The purpose of the study of 20 undergraduate business students at the University of…

Talent identification in most sports occurs through mass participation and the process of natural selection; track and field does not enjoy such widespread participation. This paper reports on a project undertaken for the following purposes: improve the means by which youth with the potential for high level performance can be identified; develop…

Some methodological issues in the study of levels of knowledge are reviewed, and needs for further research are explored, drawing on an analysis of 12 studies reported since the late 1970s. In the 12 studies, 16 quantitative experiments were conducted. These were assessed for internal and external validity. Analysis revealed some shortcomings in…