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)

Uses panel estimation techniques to estimate econometric models of mathematics achievement determinants for a nationally representative sample of high-school students. Extra time spent on math homework increases test scores; an extra hour of TV viewing negatively affects scores. Longer math periods also help. (Contains 56 references.) (MLH)

Education researchers have long been concerned with finding the appropriate method for correlational analysis of hierarchical data. In recent years, the alternative of hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) has come into extensive use. HLM users typically center some or all student-level predictors either at the grand mean or at the school means. This…

Research has demonstrated that people have difficulties recognizing ratio relationships involving multiplication. This paper is divided into four sections. The first section describes a study that was part of the three-year study of the mathematical and pedagogical development of prospective elementary teachers. The classroom teaching experiment…

Two studies were carried out to evaluate the quality of multidimensional item response theory (MIRT) model parameter estimates obtained from the computer program NOHARM. The purpose of the first study was to compute empirical estimates of the standard errors of the parameters. In addition, the parameter estimates were evaluated for bias and the…

This paper is the second report on the purpose, methodology, and results of a large-scale statistical analysis of standardized test scores from Chicago public elementary schools for 1988 and 1989. Major purposes were to develop methods for measuring student improvement (change) at the individual and school levels, to find ways of identifying…

"Postdictions" of college grade point averages (GPAs) from high school GPAs and/or American College Testing Program (ACT) composite scores were compared by gender and race for 1,121 freshmen and sophomore students at a West Virginia College. The sample included 945 white and 176 black students, and 553 males and 568 females. Significant…

Data from two studies in which subjects were classified as successful or unsuccessful were analyzed using neural net technology after being analyzed with a linear regression function. Data were obtained from admission records of 201 students admitted to undergraduate and 285 students admitted to graduate programs. Data included grade point…

Recent experience with the Computerized Adaptive Test (CAT) has raised a number of concerns about its practical applications. The concerns are principally involved with the concept of having the computer construct the test from a precalibrated item pool, and substituting statistical characteristics for the test developer's skills. Problems with…

This study addresses the test-disclosure-related need for more Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) General Test editions in a situation where the number of examinees is stable or declining. Equating is used to guarantee that examinees of different test editions are treated equitably. The data collection designs used in this study were: (1)…

This paper demonstrates the relationship between the concept of unidimensionality and direction of an item in a multidimensional space. The basic premise is that if items that measure in the same direction are combined to form a test, that test will meet the item response theory requirements of unidimensionality. This will be true even if the…

This paper focuses on the questions which arise as test practitioners monitor score scales derived from latent trait theory. Large scale assessment programs are dynamic and constantly challenge the assumptions and limits of latent trait models. Even though testing programs evolve, test scores must remain reliable indicators of progress.…