This note proposes an alternative implementation of the regression method which should be slightly faster than the principal components methods for estimating missing data. (RC)

An empirical comparison is made of three proposed indices of relative predictor variable contribution: (1) the scaled weights of the first discriminant function; (2) the total group estimates of the correlations between each predictor variable and the first function; and (3) the within-groups estimates of the correlations between each predictor…

This paper focuses on the social bases of support for sex education among the general population. The data were drawn from a survey by the National Opinion Research Center, and the respondents selected represented a national probability sample. (Editor)

Author looked at research's hidden curriculum, and suggested that its techniques and assumptions need to be demystified. (Editor/RK)

Calculates human capital earnings functions over 20 years for 822 men (the Terman sample) and argues that the percentage of gross earnings invested in education may fall below 100 percent well before school ends. (Available from the Secretary's Office, American Economic Association, 1313 21st Ave., South, Nashville, Tennessee 37212) (Author/JG)

This computerized information system, developed to satisfy the need for a current and accurate emissions data base, is designed to contain source test data; chemical, physical, and bioassay testing results performed on particulate samples; process descriptions of the sources; and descriptions of the sampling equipment and techniques employed. (BT)

Professional development research suggests that teachers learn best from and with each other in ongoing, job-embedded activities. "A Facilitator's Guide to Professional Learning Teams" provides a way of engaging school faculties in sustained, onsite professional development that builds capacity and collegiality, improves teaching quality, and…

This study examined the way qualitative data analysis software and virtual teaching methods can support the learning of qualitative research. Study methodology was based on phenomenology, and data were gathered in a pilot course on qualitative research methodology in which 22 adult part time graduate students participated. The course was built…

This paper addresses three key topics related to making state National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) assessments more efficient: (1) reducing the burden for the states; (2) stabilizing the assessment schedule; and (3) facilitating and promoting the use of state NAEP data. The paper recommends promoting the use of state NAEP data for…

This book, designed for novice researchers, provides a step-by-step guide to the development of a research project. It emphasizes learning how to do qualitative work and provides specific examples from real studies. The chapters are: (1) "Deciding To Do a Qualitative Study"; (2) "Designing Qualitative Studies"; (3) "Collecting Qualitative Data";…

This paper introduces a new decision support tool, data mining, in the context of knowledge management. The most striking features of data mining techniques are clustering and prediction. The clustering aspect of data mining offers comprehensive characteristics analysis of students, while the predicting function estimates the likelihood for a…

This paper discusses three software packages that offer unique features and options that greatly simplify the research package for conducting surveys. The first package, EPSILON, from Resource Group, Ltd. of Dallas (Texas) is designed to perform a variety of sample size calculations covering most of the commonly encountered survey research…

This new edition offers an evaluation text that ranges from identifying the primary users of an evaluation to focusing the evaluation, making methods decisions, analyzing data, and presenting findings. Both practical and theoretical, the book tells how to conduct program evaluations and why they should be conducted in the manner prescribed. Each…

This study examined the relationships between students' academic achievement, income level, and ethnicity using aggregate school 3rd and 6th grade Iowa Test of Basic Skills scores for 1999 and 2000, 4th grade Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL) scores for 1999 and 2000, and 7th grade WASL scores for 1999 for all schools in Washington…

Every spring there is a great exodus: graduating consultants depart from the writing lab, taking with them semesters and semesters of experience, and leaving a gap in the ranks of the staff. This paper discusses a way lab directors can learn from them: departing consultants wrote short essays entitled "Advice to the Future" which…