The increasing use of educational performance or outcome measurements for a range of policy purposes points to new procedures for adjusting data for population composition. The purposes include: program formulation, budget resource allocation, grant-in-aid designs, performance incentive payments, consumer information for school selection, and…

Statistical methods employed by Alexander and Pallas do not negate the differences between public and private school students' achievement. Instead, their work supports the conclusion that Catholic schools help average students achieve by increasing the likelihood of their enrollment in the academic track and by enhancing their performance in the…

The utility of a quasi-experimental evaluation design for estimating benefits derived from a program to match job-seekers to openings listed by employers was examined in three studies of Job Service referrals and placements in Washington and Oregon. Data examined included a mail survey of a sample of 587 Washington residents referred to job…

Noting the fascination of both researchers and the general public with possible gender differences in human cognition and whether these differences originate in biology, childhood influences, or cultural stereotypes, this book summarizes research studies on gender differences in cognition. The book examines social and cultural implications of this…

School-related research is reviewed under seven categories of nonverbal communication: environmental factors, proxemics, kinesics, touching behavior, physical characteristics, paralanguage, and artifacts. (Author/MH)

The issue of whether scientific research is included within the system of protected expression afforded by the first amendment is addressed. Examined is the applicability of constitutional doctrine to state action to prohibit, burden, or decline to fund research because the area of inquiry itself is considered inappropriate or suspect. (AF)

Recommends broadening the scope of evaluation in moral education. Argues that past research has relied too heavily on indirect evidence (for example, gains in moral reasoning) rather than changes in behavior. Recommends further emphasis on the relationships among self-control, social control, and moral education. (MJP)

A South Australian research project examining assimilationist frameworks in Aboriginal education sought to empower the rural Aboriginal community through participation in the project. Issues that emerged included the influence of funding on research for social change; the shaping of knowledge/power relations through project design and…

Cites recent educational research to illustrate that policy analysts have failed to address the problems of racial and ethnic minority students in an increasingly diverse society. Reviews the four papers that comprise the theme issue which employ group-specific and comparative approaches to racial/ethnic issues in higher education. (FMW)

Reviews the state of knowledge on adolescent sexual behavior in the following areas: (1) onset of sexual behavior as a function of cohort, gender, and ethnic differences; (2) biological, social, and cognitive processes underlying such behavior; (3) demographic trends in the use of contraceptives; (4) research problems; and (5) successful programs.…

Critiques action research from a feminist theoretical perspective, identifying a duality between mainstream and antisexist action research. Argues mainstream researchers' rational distancing fosters self-deception among researchers about what action research can achieve and how it operates. Posits emotional engagement characteristic to antisexist…

Describes research on interpersonal expectancy effects, concentrating on classroom settings. Results of a meta-analysis of 448 studies of interpersonal expectancy effects are summarized. A 10-point model for the study of such effects and evidence supporting a 4-factor theory of the mediation of teacher expectancy effects are presented. (SLD)

Argues that perception studies and ranking are lacking in validity and reliability because of small sample size, simplistic statistical analyses, and the evaluation of quality by educators. It is asserted that quality control is more valid when evaluated by the customers of education, i.e., the students. (11 references) (EA)

Comments on "The Timing of a First Birth and High School Completion" (Dawn M. Upchurch and James McCarthy) (1990). In considering relationships between adolescent childbearing and completion of high school, Upchurch and McCarthy misinterpret socioeconomic data. Their conclusion that young mothers are no less likely to graduate from high school is…

Identifies roles and strategies that district and state agencies can use to support action research at the school level. Districts can pool resources, develop collaborative relationships with other agencies, and improve funding. State governments have similar roles, and can help disseminate best practices across regions. (SLD)