Considering curriculum to be at the heart of American education, an effort to determine the trends in and nature of English instruction in higher education is based on a nationwide survey of graduation requirements of 254 colleges and universities for: (1) the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), (2) the Bachelor of Science (B.S.), and (3) the Bachelor of…

A description is given of the methodology and findings of an evaluation of learning packages (LAP's) developed for students in distributive education programs by representatives of the 11 state members of the Interstate Distributive Education Curriculum Consortium. A total of 445 packages was judged on characteristics relating to students,…

A study was conducted in the field of auto mechanics under a research grant from the Vocational Education Branch of the Iowa Department of Public Instruction to provide data necessary for future curriculum planning. Objectives included the analysis of the automotive repair field to determine jobs performed, the time spent in major areas, level of…

This symposium deals with recent issues in the development of the National Assessment model. General goals are outlined and the following topics are discussed: "Objectives and Exercises" (Jack C. Merwin); "Sampling" (A. Finkner); and "Data Analysis" (John Milholland). (CK) Aspect of National Assessment (NAEP) dealt…

Utilizing a systematic sampling technique, the professional activities of small groups of pediatricians, family practitioners, surgeons, obstetricians, and internists were observed for 4 or 5 days by a medical student who checked a prearranged activity sheet every 30 seconds to: (1) identify those tasks and activities an assistant could be trained…

Differing patterns of abilities among high school males of four ethnic groups were investigated, as reflected in the interrelationships of scores on a multi-test aptitude battery. If such differences in patterns of ability exist among these groups, their existence and nature should be revealed in the interrelationships of the various test scores…

Local district personnel are responsible for collecting evidence that categorically aided projects have an impact upon disadvantaged learners' behavior. The district personnel requested assistance in designing evaluation methods to meet their needs. In keeping with the State Education Department's policy of maximizing service to the field, this…

Discusses current issues in measuring library effectiveness, including rapid technological changes and increasing obsolescence in librarians' competencies; increased pressure for accountability; tools to help libraries become what they determine they should be rather than conforming to national standards; and how to determine the validity and…

A study is discussed that examined the role of student aid, gender, ethnic status, academic performance in high school, and age on attrition rates, showing how each of these variables affects attrition rates during each of the 3 successive years of undergraduate education. (MLW)

Compares the results of two survey designs administered to visitors of three South African nature reserves to ascertain changes in conservation awareness. Explains the method, data collection, questionnaire design, statistical tests, pretests, pilot studies, results, and conclusions of the study. Finds that no statistical differences between…

Criticizes methodology and findings reported in the "Consequences" article, particularly in regard to disparities in characteristics of the samples, validity of the measures, and interpretation of results. (NH)

In studies involving matrix sampling on items, it is often the case that there are too few responses per individual to use latent trait item response models. A model is formulated wherein individual level variability appears as independent error within the cells of a cross classification of demographic variables. (JKS)

A sample of 5,162 undergraduates at 74 institutions was surveyed to identify the effect of the college environment on students' educational aspirations. Several environmental factors had modest but significant effects on aspirations; however, the magnitude of the effects differed somewhat by gender and institutional selectivity. (Author/MLW)

The study of career aspirations of freshmen entering a women's college in the fall of 1979 is described. The degree of ideological consistency among career salience, perception of psychological sex differences, attitudes towards sex roles, ideals of femininity and masculinity, etc., are reported. (Author/MLW)

The purpose of this brief is to summarize the methodologies and outcome measures used in Post-School Outcomes follow-up and follow-along studies of adolescents with disabilities. As a requisite in the Request for Proposal for funding of the National Post-School Outcomes Center (NPSO), knowledge development activities were to include: "Conducting a…