We present an aggregation scheme that increases power in randomized controlled trials and quasi-experiments when the intervention possesses a robust and well-articulated theory of change. Intervention studies using longitudinal data often include multiple observations on individuals, some of which may be more likely to manifest a treatment effect…

Two families of analysis methods can be used for differential item functioning (DIF) analysis. One family is DIF analysis based on observed scores, such as the Mantel-Haenszel (MH) and the standardized proportion-correct metric for DIF procedures; the other is analysis based on latent ability, in which the statistic is a measure of departure from…

The high school grade point average (GPA) is often adjusted to account for nominal indicators of course rigor, such as "honors" or "advanced placement." Adjusted GPAs--also known as weighted GPAs--are frequently used for computing students' rank in class and in the college admission process. Despite the high stakes attached to…

This study explored the best testing practices for the NC Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) to determine preparedness for entry-level law enforcement officers. The researcher implemented a mixed-methods approach to answer five research questions based on collected historical data from Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, the North Carolina…

Reporting confidence intervals with test scores helps test users make important decisions about examinees by providing information about the precision of test scores. Although a variety of estimation procedures based on the binomial error model are available for computing intervals for test scores, these procedures assume that items are randomly…

This Monte Carlo simulation study compares methods to estimate the effects of programs with multiple versions when assignment of individuals to program version is not random. These methods use generalized propensity scores, which are predicted probabilities of receiving a particular level of the treatment conditional on covariates, to remove…

We study the progressivity of state funding of school districts under Tennessee's weighted student funding formula. We propose a simple definition of progressivity based on the difference in exposure to district per-pupil funding between poor and non-poor students. The realized progressivity of district funding in Tennessee is much smaller--only…

Background: Individuals with Down syndrome generally show a floor effect on Wechsler Scales that is manifested by flat profiles and with many or all of the weighted scores on the subtests equal to 1. Method: The main aim of the present paper is to use the statistical Hessl method and the extended statistical method of Orsini, Pezzuti and Hulbert…

Pedagogical approaches in higher education are evolving. Instructors are tasked with meeting the needs and preferences of the modern student and their desire for increased input in higher education courses. As such, this study sought to provide a manageable example of how flexible weighting schemes can be incorporated into assessments for…

Purpose: The need to tackle the problem of inadequacy of advisory services on Climate Smart Agricultural Initiatives (CSAI) rendered by extension agents led this study to determine the competency need of extension agents on CSAI using the Borich needs assessment model. Methodology: Data on importance and competence of tasks associated with CSAI…

While numerous recent authors have studied the effects of school accountability systems on student test performance, there has been very little research with regards to school mobility with school performance grades in an A-F system. For the purpose of this study, mobility is defined as a school's ability to have an increase or decrease in their…

In response to the ban on affirmative action and the decrease in racial minority enrollment, the Texas legislature created the Texas Top 10% rule, which mandates public higher education institutions to admit undergraduate applicants who graduate in the top 10% of their high school class (Cortes & Friedson, 2014; Daugherty et al., 2014; Watkins…

Data sets from large-scale longitudinal surveys involving young children and families have become available for secondary analysis by researchers in a variety of fields. Researchers in early intervention have conducted secondary analyses of such data sets to explore relationships between nonmalleable and malleable factors and child outcomes, and…

An adapted grading system for students with disabilities in general physical education allows utilization of existing assessment tools such as rubrics and checklists and provides methods of individualization and modification based on the student's needs. Adapted grading methods include weighting components of class grades and unit assessments,…

Hiring the most capable students to serve in the RA role should be a top priority for housing departments due to their critical role as front-line student success employees. The effort to identify and hire RAs typically includes a substantial investment of personnel resources in hiring processes, where candidates are typically evaluated across…