Background: Youth programs often rely on self-reported data without clear evidence as to the accuracy of these reports. Although the validity of self-reporting has been confirmed among some high school and college age students, one area that is absent from extant literature is a serious investigation among younger children. Moreover, there is…

The relationships between a diverse set of individual difference, demographic, and aptitude variables; and a set of student attitudes and behaviors pertinent to experiences in large lecture classes were examined. The sample was 4300 students enrolled in 33 lecture classes at a large university. The relationship between the set of individual…

Studies the role of cultural capital in the relationship between social background inequalities and educational attainment, using data from a national sample of Greek high school seniors. Finds that, although reproduction of the social hierarchy occurs through schooling, student ability and effort are the major mechanisms underlying educational…

Evaluates the hypothesis that boomtowns enter a period of generalized crisis and loss of traditional values/attitudes; considers impact of energy development on residents' involvement in/attachment to their community, and perceived quality of community services. Uses linear and systemic models on data from three intermountain communities…

Evaluates the factors that affect student performance on the mathematics portion of the Florida standardized test designed to measure student competency at postsecondary institutions. Finds that remedial courses have a negative effect on test scores, and recommends articulation programs, admissions requirement evaluation, and curriculum assessment…

Data from the High School and Beyond study--restricted to over 800 regular public school students from a population of 18,684 who completed test batteries in both their sophomore and senior years--are analyzed in this report. Included in the cluster of 12 school variables are school policies, school resources, and school practices. The…

This paper investigated the predictive validity of the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) for members of different gender and minority status groups. The following data were obtainted on 45,067 undergraduates enrolled in 31 different institutions in a state college system: SAT Verbal (SAT-V) and SAT Mathematics (SAT-M) scores; high school average…

Two approaches for conceptualizing and estimating a contextual model for analyzing student achievement are the separate equation approach and the single equation approach. The separate equation method determines the relationship between the individual-level independent variable and the individual-level dependent variable within each group. It then…

Describes a study of 38 students at Eastern Oregon State College which identified mathematics proficiency as the key student characteristic leading to successful completion of computer science courses, and developed a model that accounts for 82 percent of the variation in students' final grades in computer courses for use by advisers. (LRW)

This meta-analysis of 49 comparative studies shows that mastery testing has positive effects on student learning, but the size of effect depends on the stringency of the criterion used and the degree of experimental control. The effects of instructional time, student attitudes, and differences in ability levels are also addressed. (Author/LRW)

The purpose of this study was to determine the extent to which mastery testing contributes to instructional effectiveness and to determine the size of its effects in different outcome areas, such as aptitude and instructional time. A meta-analytic methodology was used to integrate findings from experimental studies. Twenty studies examined…

Belize's Relevant Education for Agriculture and Production (REAP) national primary school program is described in data from seven annual formative evaluations (1979-1985). The 1984-85 program/school evaluation included 54 rural REAP schools and utilized a 43-item questionnaire containing eight quality sub-variables. The quality of REAP schools…

Tests a cultural resources/social interaction model of gatekeeping by school teachers using data for seventh and eighth grade students in a city school district. Results indicate informal academic standards by which teachers reward general skills, habits, and styles, accounting for course grade differentials observed for gender, ethnicity, and…

Discussion of computer-assisted instruction and cognitive style focuses on a study of college students that investigated the relationship of student success in algebra and field independence-dependence. Topics discussed include the effectiveness of computers as instructional tools; treatments for experimental and control groups; courseware; and…

Investigates the relationship between social studies classroom environment and student motivation. Correlates several environmental variables with three motivational constructs (academic motivation, academic self-concept, and social self-concept) among 157 sixth grade, predominantly Hispanic students. Finds student satisfaction significantly…