The paper reflects on the use by the UK central government of statistical evidence in educational policy matters. Particular attention is given to school league tables. The paper is generally critical of government attitudes, but suggests that progress towards rational decision-making does occur. (Contains 5 notes.)

This document assesses the preliminary impact of the first year of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA). The act had three primary goals: (1) to discourage illegal immigration into the United States and to encourage the departure of recent illegal immigrants; (2) to permit the legalization of illegal immigrants who have been in…

Discusses use of quantitative measurement in statistical studies conducted by libraries, noting unusable measurements and the importance of adapting research methodology to particular library needs. Studies involving the allocation of library funds to academic departments, measurement of library performance, and circulation statistics are noted.…

Analyzes adoption information from courts, social service agencies, and bureaus of vital records for 1991 and 1992. Finds that adoptions by step-parents constitute nearly half of all adoptions, and that individually arranged adoptions are likely to be by relatives. Suggests that the information provided constitutes a baseline for measurement of…

Statistics are basic to the legislative process and must be available in a form quickly and easily perceived to support library legislation. There should be a sound statistical base, fleshed out with practical examples, to impress legislators and lay persons. Communication of statistical data to decision makers requires a sound public information…

Reviews a statistical survey of language study in American high schools and proposals aimed at improving the quantity and quality of language study at the preuniversity level. (AM)

This study tests the widely cited proposition that 20% of a library's books account for 80% of its circulation. Using data collected for a collection development survey, it was found that of the sample of 4,213 books, 799, or 19%, accounted for 79% of the circulation during 1987. In fact, 25% of the books accounted for all of the circulation that…

Based on interviews and on questionnaires sent to EUDISED (European Documentation and Information System) "R & D Bulletin" subscribers, and the users of the EUDISED online database, this report evaluates current EUDISED activities. The report reviews the responses to the questionnaire; assesses the current situation (a period in…

Reported are the discussions and votes on issues related to engineering education. Sections included are an introduction to the National Congress on Engineering Education and an overview of the meeting including 79 resolutions related to the four areas of broad-academic issues, faculty issues, curriculum issues, and issues on laboratories,…

A survey of absentee voting in the Highline (Washington) School District revealed that mailed-in ballots have no better than--and often less than--a 50-50 chance of favoring school finance issues. School officials should reconsider encouraging the growth of voting by mail. (IW)

A collection of quotations drawn from research and opinion papers dealing with the impact of television viewing on children. Subtopics addressed are: television viewing statistics, effects of television violence, and the relationship of television to education. (JJD)

Outlines a historical context for the nativist ideology of the English-only movement in the United States, and the movement's effect on language teaching. A survey of journal contents of TESOL Quarterly, Modern Language Journal, and Foreign Language Annals from 1974-1987 identifying eight categories of articles checked particularly for…

Social area analysis (SAA) is defined, and its conceptual roots and principal applications identified. The utility of SAA is assessed by reviewing use of demographic data among several disciplines. Authors review seminal and recent contributions to the field. Ecological fallacies and other problematic facets of SAA are considered. (Author/DWH)

Discusses problems of classifying racial and ethnic groups when collecting statistical data. Argues that surveys must acknowledge the great diversity of the American population and give respondents the freedom to choose the group or groups to which they belong. (FMW)

More than one-third of U.S. newspapers use various kinds of systematic survey research other than that provided by Gallup or Harris, and broadcast networks have polling units that are part of their news divisions. However, as most of the media employ them, opinion polls provide a genuine basis for "broad, sweeping generalizations." News…