A jack knife is a pocket knife that is put to many tasks, because it's ready to hand. Often there could be a better tool for the job, such as a screwdriver, a scraper, or a can-opener, but these are not usually pocket items. In statistical terms, the expression implies making do with what's available. Another simile, of an extreme situation, is…

The Common Core of Data (CCD) is an annual collection of public elementary and secondary education data by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) in the Institute of Education Sciences of the U.S. Department of Education. The data presented in this report are selected from the three nonfiscal components of the Common Core of Data…

The Census Bureau has historically grouped high school diploma holders along with those who hold "high school equivalent" credentials. Among these is the credential earned through successfully passing the General Education Development (GED) test. Interest in identifying those with GEDs has recently increased, in part from debate within…

This brief will discuss patterns of science and engineering educational attainment within the foreign-born population living in the United States, using data from the 2010 American Community Survey (ACS). The analysis is restricted to the population aged 25 and older, and the results are presented on science and engineering degree attainment by…

This Statistics in Brief examines three cohorts of recent college graduates 1 year after they attained their bachelor's degree. The graduation years for the three cohorts span a 15-year period: 1992-93, 1999-2000, and 2007-08. The latest cohort (2007-08) graduated in the midst of the 2008 recession. This Statistics in Brief first examines how…

Describes a statistical analysis of historical and recent presidential elections revealing enduring geographic patterns of partisan support and volatility. Discusses how they affect the Electoral College system and demand that a candidate build a geographic coalition. (CW)

Student/Teacher Ratios are calculated by dividing the fall enrollment count by the number of full-time equivalent teachers. Full-time equivalency (FTE) is the amount of time required to perform an assignment stated as a proportion of a full-time position, and computed by dividing the amount of time employed by the time normally required for a…