The purpose of this study was to determine which equating models are appropriate for the Alabama High School Graduation Examination (AHSGE) by equating two previously administered fall forms for each subject area of the AHSGE and determining whether differences exist in the test score distributions or passing scores resulting from the equating…

A study that identified mathematics processes and concepts taught in industrial arts-technology education courses in Louisiana high schools and the time spent teaching used the following methods: literature review; phone interviews with persons recognized nationally for their efforts at infusing math, science, and technology into the high school…

The Honors Program at Northern State University (South Dakota) is an ongoing, enriched program for academically talented and highly motivated students. Its purposes are to (1) stimulate creativity, intellectual curiosity, and critical evaluation of ideas and behavior; (2) enhance skills in critical research, writing, and speaking; and (3) develop…

The purpose of the study described in this report was to ascertain why students in New York City high schools are earning insufficient credits to graduate in four years. Specific objectives of the study include the following: (1) to identify patterns and trends in credit accumulation among high school graduates and dropouts; (2) to determine and…

A research project was undertaken to analyze the effect of increased science and math high school graduation requirements and to develop models to minimize the impact of these increases on vocational course enrollments. Data from survey instruments sent to Colorado's 174 school districts, state directors of vocational education, and state…

In a question and answer format, this guide for parents discusses important issues about standardized reading tests, including the following: (1) scoring systems are obscure; (2) grade level equivalency scores are educationally inaccurate and misleading to child and parent; (3) standardized reading tests are meant to compare groups and not to…

A nationwide survey in 1984 asked teachers their opinions on a variety of reform suggestions for educational improvement. As a followup this survey sought to determine what the states were actually doing about these reforms. In the area of teacher-related reforms, information is provided on actions taken in each state on: (1) teacher compensation;…

In 1984 an evaluation team examined the Maryland Functional Testing Program (MFTP), a statewide competency-based, criterion-referenced testing program that was instituted to limit awarding of high school diplomas to those students who had earned scores above cut scores on a series of achievement tests. This article examines the procedures the…

This report, derived from a survey of foreign language supervisors in each state and the District of Columbia, provides an overview of the various state initiatives and activities in foreign languages and international studies. The report is intended to provide some useful information to national policymakers, state governments, and concerned…

Issues and suggestions regarding the use of comparable data on higher education in the European Region are reported, based on a meeting sponsored by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) was developed to facilitate the comparability of national…

Two groups of learning disabled (LD) secondary school students (ages 16-18) were studied to determine if such factors as levels of intelligence and achievement contribute to success in high school. The first group of students (N=10) were sophomores enrolled in special education resource classes for one period each day and were addressing Louisiana…

A model depicting dropping out of high school as a process is presented. Against a longitudinal mapping of student experiences, questions about standards or exit tests are addressed. Existing research on dropouts provided the empirical basis for the model. The central features of the model are the academic and social systems of the school.…

This twelfth grade diploma examination is written in both French and English. The test consists of 52 multiple-choice items and three written response questions. Two and one-half hours are provided for taking the test; approved calculators may be used. The test content covers a wide range of mathematical topics including: geometry; trigonometry;…

This report discusses the availability and use of instructional time in relation to the requirements contained in the Hughes Hart Educational Reform and Finance Act of 1983. The study draws on information from the California Assessment Program, which supplies achievement test scores, time and coursetaking information; verbal and mathematics…

Recent criticism of public education has led to demands for educational improvement. Responses to this criticism include the development of minimum competency tests (MCTs) and calls for increased academic requirements. This paper reviews a national survey of state graduation requirements that reveals a wide variance in requirements. Eighteen…