Purpose: Studies in the literature have generally demonstrated that the causes of differential item functioning (DIF) are complex and not directly related to defined groups. The purpose of this study is to determine the DIF according to the mixture item response theory (MixIRT) model, based on the latent group approach, as well as the…

The purpose of this study was to provide preliminary analysis of reliability and validity of scores on the "Self-Efficacy Self-Report Scale", which was designed to assess general self-efficacy in students aged 10 to 17 years. Confirmatory factor analysis on cross-validated samples was conducted revealing a marginal fit of the data to the…

The English Language Proficiency Assessment (ELPA) is used in the state of Michigan in the United States to fulfill government-mandated No Child Left Behind (NCLB) requirements. The test is used to promote and monitor achievement in English language learning in schools that receive federal NCLB funding. The goal of the project discussed here was…

Introduction: During the past academic year in Spain, more than 500,000 immigrant students were enrolled in primary and secondary schools. School is one of those places available to society for creating spaces for coexistence and for changing attitudes. The teacher plays a very important role in this task. In this paper we will observe opinions…

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to identify factors of parent satisfaction, then identify predictors of overall school satisfaction among three groups of variables: district characteristics, parent demographics, and school satisfaction factors. Despite the importance of parents in the success of schoolchildren, few empirical studies address…

Ability test scores were decomposed into district, class, and individual components. First-order factor analyses at the individual level showed the usual Primary Mental Abilities test pattern. Second-order analyses grouped the primary factors into one power and one speed factor. Decomposition of variances in multilevel educational research is…

This paper presents a methodology for developing a framework that can help decision makers distinguish intensity of needs and regional funding differences within a state. A cluster analysis was used to distinguish need in Georgia's 159 counties. Four clusters that identified the distribution of goods or services to those in need were identified:…

This article suggests the use of structural equation modeling in special education research, to analyze multivariate data from both nonexperimental and experimental research. It combines a structural model linking latent variables and a measurement model linking observed variables with latent variables. (Author/DB)

Addresses applications of the coefficient of variation as a measure of educational inequality or as a means of measuring changes of inequality status. Suggests the Gini coefficient has many advantages over the coefficient of variation since it can be used with the Lorenz curve (Lorenz provides detail Gini omits). (BRR)

The purpose of this study was to determine whether terms used in the Annehurst Curriculum Classification System (ACCS) are appropriate and useful to describe learner characteristics. From the twelve characteristics postulated in the ACCS to describe learners, six were selected for study: experience, intelligence, motivation, emotion-personality,…