Eye-movement registration was used to examine the influence of the semantic complexity of addition and subtraction word problems on response time and eye-fixation patterns of 10 high-ability and 10 low-ability second graders. Data provide evidence of the crucial role of semantic factors in word problem solving. (SLD)

Issues surrounding a recent voting rights case in Los Angeles (California) are discussed and evaluated in this introduction to the remainder of this special issue. The most important issues are geographical compactness, political cohesiveness, and racial voting blocs. (SLD)

Adherence to the arbitrary 0.05 level of significance as a benchmark for decisions about publishing research largely accounts for the popularity of one-tailed hypothesis tests. Effect size estimates, accompanied by confidence intervals or exact two-tailed probabilities, are generally more compatible with the growing meta-analytic view of social…

The Summer Mathematics Enrichment for Minority Students program was piloted during 1990 by the Texas Academy of Mathematics and Science at the University of North Texas. The program provided 19 mathematically talented minority junior high students with rigorous academic instruction, role models, on-campus residence, and social/recreational…

Reports findings of a study that investigated fifth and sixth graders' attending and participating behaviors during mathematics. Some students, especially low achievers, manifested passivity in cooperative small groups. Some possible reasons for this behavior are suggested, and a categorization of types of passivity is provided. (Author/SM)

Describes 3 of 17 innovative educational programs funded by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and the Southern Governors' Association. Projects were designed to meet at least one of the four National Education Goals important to ARC: school readiness; adult literacy and lifelong learning; math-science education; and dropout prevention. (LP)

The statistical power of analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and its advantages over simple analysis of variance are examined in some experimental situations, and an algorithm is proposed for its proper application. In nonrandomized experiments, an ANCOVA is generally not a good approach. (SLD)

Seven chapters consider what learning is and what counts as learning in the context of formal schooling. How qualitative research assists in this examination is explored. Qualitative research is an indispensable tool in the repertoire of research approaches that will illuminate learning discourse. (SLD)

Compared the effects of using various computer software programs on the attending behavior of children with attention-deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD). Found that the attention of ADHD children increased while they used software with a game format when animation was not excessive. Other factors affecting nonattending behaviors included the…

Project looked for out-of-school factors accounting for differences in elementary mathematics and reading achievement using California Achievement Test scores and data on student mobility, minority groups, student free lunch eligibility, and students living with two parents. Results indicate about half of school-to-school variance in achievement…

Number-correct scoring was compared to empirical option weighting for estimating domain scores and making pass/fail decisions that are typical of certification, licensing, competency, and proficiency testing. The usefulness of the option-total correlation option-weighting method was illustrated with a sample of 1,000 high school students. (SLD)

The mathematics components of an elementary school achievement battery were studied for differential item performance between 726 boys and 721 girls taking the California Achievement Test in grades 4, 5, and 6. Overall, no skill classifications, ability levels, or item locations favored one sex group consistently across grades. (SLD)

The article offers guidelines for using the regular education mathematics curriculum for students with mild disabilities. Approaches geared toward mildly handicapped adolescents include the parallel alternate curriculum, the resource room model, and the strategies intervention model. Specific teaching suggestions are also recommended as are…

Reported are the findings of a study of the effects of academic acceleration on the social and emotional adjustments of students. Subjects included 1,247 12 to 14 year olds who scored in the top 1 percent on a national mathematics examination. The advantages of academic acceleration are emphasized. (CW)

Type I error rates of four multivariate tests (Pilai-Bartlett trace, Johansen's test, James' first-order test, and James' second-order test) were compared for heterogeneous covariance matrices in 360 simulated experiments. The superior performance of Johansen's test and James' second-order test is discussed. (SLD)