Examines a statistical model in which the users of an online system continually update their estimated probability of success, and quit or continue the search according to the expected utility of each action. The implications for search strategies are discussed. (Author/EM)

Responses to a questionnaire indicated that special education teachers (N=85) consistently underestimated the positiveness of regular class teachers (N=131) in such areas as their willingness to teach handicapped students, their knowledge of where to obtain information about handicapped students, and their confidence about skills in implementing a…

Senior-year mathematics test scores are highly dependent on the number of mathematics courses taken at the level of Algebra I or above. Sophomore students with similar levels of mathematics achievement may be expected to improve similarly regardless of race or sex by taking additional mathematics courses. (MNS)

Two criteria are discussed for determining cutting scores on a predictor variable for identifying cases of likely child abuse--utility maximizing and error minimizing. Utility maximizing is the preferable criterion, as it optimizes the balance between the costs of incorrect decisions and the benefits of correct decisions. (Author/JDD)

Describes a project that simulated the impact of three scenarios on health care patterns and the health situation of elderly people in the Netherlands. The discussion covers the utilization of outcomes by policymakers and future applications of simulations by scenario projects. (41 notes with references) (CLB)

The rationale for employing severe discrepancy criteria in learning disability identification is discussed. Educational implications of two models for determining severe discrepancy are described (the variation model and the prediction model), and the importance of distinguishing between the two is stressed. (JW)

Selected comments on Hathaway and Fiedler's paper by a sociologist, an economist, a political scientist, a K-12 facility planner, a campus facility planner, and a school architect precede a discussion of how the paper can serve as a planning guide for school facilities. (MLF)

Investigated relation of counselor ability to articulate salient client information to continuance in weight loss program. Counselors predicted client responses to questions regarding weight loss problems more accurately for clients who later completed program than for those who dropped out. Within one completer group, greater weight loss occurred…

The major benefit of an environmental scanning/forecasting system is in providing critical information for strategic planning. Such a system allows the institution to detect social, technological, economic, and political trends and potential events. The environmental scanning database developed by United Way of America is described. (MLW)

This essay attempts to forecast direction of specific change in library and information science education and examines a number of alternative responses to political pressures from practitioners, the larger academic community, and the general public. A scenario of close cooperation between educator and practitioner communities is proposed. Five…

Further validated the Konvalina, Stephens, Wileman (KSW) Computer Science Placement Test by administering it to 152 Philippine students. A practical procedure for placing students using the results of the KSW test is also included. This procedure has been successfully applied at the University of Nebraska (Omaha) for over two years. (JN)

Background information and six activities on predicting weather are provided. Each activity includes an objective, list of materials needed, recommended age level(s), subject area(s), and instructional strategies. Also included are several ready-to-copy worksheets. (JN)

Five prominent consultants project technological advancements that, in some cases, will enhance current library systems, and in many cases will cause them to become obsolete. Major trends include advances in mainframe and microcomputing technology, development of inexpensive local area networks and telecommunications gateways, and the advent of…

Mathematically gifted boys (N=77) and girls (N=62) completed a mathematics reasoning test, a verbal reasoning test, a measure of spatial ability, and a personality test. Findings indicated that boys not only have higher mathematical reasoning ability than girls, but also that this ability is the single best predictor of their mathematical…

Analyzes data presented in a recent article (EJ 328 649) examining the relationship between A-level physics and mathematics and degree performance in engineering or physics. A grade of A in A-level physics predicted first class degree performance. (JM)