Used the same methodology and data used by W. Haney in his study of achievement gains on the Texas high school exit examination to demonstrate that his conclusion about the increased pass rate was not correct. None of the 20% improvement in the exit test pass rate was explained by combined increases in dropout rates or special education…

This newsletter contains six articles focusing on dropouts, potential dropouts, dropout rates, and dropout prevention, particularly in Texas and among Hispanics and other minority groups. "Improving Student Performance: Study Identifies Better Approach" (Maria Robledo Montecel, Josie Danini Supik, and Jose A. Cardenas) correlates student…

In Texas, control of schooling has shifted from the public toward business-controlled management accountability systems--exemplified in the Texas Assessment of Academic Skills ("the Texas Accountability System"). TAAS adversely affects teaching and learning by mandating a "test-prep" noncurriculum, discriminating against…

Uses a panel dataset for schools in large Texas cities to compare student performance gains in Dallas, site of a school-based incentive program, with those in four other cities. Results show positive, relatively large effects for Hispanic and white seventh graders, but not for black students or third graders. (MLH)

This report summarizes the 1998-1999 program evaluation results of AISD's School-to-Career program, which is a system of integrated school-based and work-based learning that integrates academic and occupational learning.