A "best evidence" review synthesis, which incorporates features of meta-analytic and traditional literature reviews, is used in this review of studies on the effects of ability grouping on secondary school students' achievement. The focus was on 29 studies that compared between-class ability grouping to heterogeneous placements. Effect sizes were…

Academic tracking, one of the most enduring and controversial educational practices, is directly implicated as a link among education, future technical/occupational skill, and the welfare of the U.S. national economy. Tracking's most controversial feature is the potentially harmful effects of bad placement decisions based on such nonacademic…

This study provides a tool for describing, analyzing, and evaluating the effectiveness of human resources development (HRD) systems and their components. It is intended for policy makers, planners, and senior officials from government, employers', and workers' organizations who have responsibilities in human resources development. The first part…

This study focused on potential pedagological uses of standardized placement exams. A sample of 250 exams of the May 1984 Biology Advanced Placement (AP) exam was obtained and student responses to the question on cell structure were analyzed. The frequency of particular responses to the question is listed and trends and patterns in the responses…

A research project was conducted in 1982 by Sacramento City College's Assessment Center to evaluate the effectiveness of selected English courses found in three levels of English: English 55 and 56 (the lowest level); English 57 (level two), and English 1A (level three). The study focused on students who had reading and English scores required for…

The General Accounting Office (GAO) surveyed all Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) Title III dislocated worker projects operating between October 1982 and March 1985 to obtain program information concerning (1) results achieved, such as placement rates and average wage levels; (2) assistance provided to participants, including skill training,…

This document contains witnesses' testimonies and prepared statements from the Congressional hearing called to examine the living conditions of children in state care. Parents, youth workers, legal advocates, program administrators and state officials discuss the cost effectiveness of community-based services and the effectiveness of various…

The South Jersey Outreach, Counseling and Training Project was initiated by the Glassboro State College Office of Adult Continuing Education on September 23, 1985. The purpose of the project was to provide outreach, counseling, and in some cases training to single parents and homemakers in Gloucester, Camden, and Cumberland counties (New Jersey).…

Careful design of assessment procedures to be used with disadvantaged students is especially important because these students are likely to have one or more characteristics and/or attitudes that place them at particular risk of dropping out (for example, poor self-concept, fear of failure, low level of aspiration, dependence on peer group…

This study was designed to test the effects of a teaching candidate's age and the effect of the type of position under consideration on candidate ratings as assessed from a videotaped interview simulation. Independent variables manipulated were (1) candidate age in the taped interview (27 or 43 years old) and (2) the type of position under…

This report examines the teacher supply/demand balance nationally and in the western region of the United States and relates the findings to the larger issue of teacher quality. Chapter 1 reviews historical cycles of teacher supply and demand. The second chapter compares supply and demand for new teacher graduates in the western region and in 14…

Traditionally, disabled persons have received vocational training in sheltered workshops and after evaluation have been placed into work activity, extended sheltered employment, or transitional employment programs. Transition then to competitive employment is atypical for persons with severe disabilities. Their employment situation has improved…

The handbook reviews Wisconsin's use of the designated vocational instructor (DVI) in providing direct instructional support services for vocational educators and special education students enrolled in vocational education classes. DVIs facilitate cooperative relationships between special and vocational education at the local school level. Eight…

A review of the literature is presented on developmental mathematics courses in two- and four-year colleges and universities. The paper is organized within the categories of status studies, placement, program evaluation, class management, student characteristics, and thought processes. Highlights of the report include: (1) an average of 2.0…

Educators need to alleviate the problems experienced by students in making the transition from one institution and/or program to another. These movements result in unnecessary duplication and use of educational resources and can cause students to lose valuable time, effort, and motivation. To interrelate secondary and postsecondary vocational…