Data use and decision-making--these two phrases have appeared together in probably hundreds of education articles and have been the topic of a host of presentations during the past decade. In addition, research studies have confirmed the importance of data-informed decision-making to school improvement. Thus, school leaders have found it makes…

Reproduces selected text, charts, and tables from the National Center for Education Statistics 1982 report, "The Condition of Education," by Nancy Dearman and Valena Plisko. In the 1980s the numbers of preprimary and elementary school children are projected to rise while the secondary school age group will shrink. (Author/JM)

Nine graphs and tables present data on past and projected preschool enrollment, birth rates, participation by women in the work force, and effects of preschool programs on first grade achievement. (PGD)

Summarizes 1970-85 educational trends and projections. Highlights increasing preschool, minority, and public elementary school enrollment, declining numbers of public elementary schools, increasing numbers of private and middle schools, fewer teachers (until the late 1980s), higher teacher salaries, growing dependency on state revenues, and…

Reviews demographic and other trends in elementary schools, including pupil teacher ratios, school size, student and family characteristics, private schools, teacher age and years of teaching, state and local revenues, federal aid, expenditures, and writing and reading proficiencies. Includes five tables. (MD)

Reviews trends from 1971 to 1982 primarily as revealed by Department of Education statistics. Enrollment, number and size of schools and districts, student-teacher ratios, programs for exceptional children, basic courses, computer applications, revenues, expenditures, cost-cutting, student performance assessment, state provisions to improve…

Discusses recent and projected trends in (1) enrollments in elementary and secondary schools and among special student populations, (2) the numbers and configurations of elementary and secondary schools, (3) teacher employment and salary levels, (4) state and federal aid, and (5) student performance on national mathematics and science tests. (PGD)

Reports data gathered by the National Center for Education Statistics concerning enrollment trends and projections in public and private preprimary, elementary, and middle schools; minority enrollment trends; and trends in teacher employment, state and federal school support, school use of computers, student reading abilities, and adoption of…

Data in this article were compiled from a number of sources by the U. S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Categories covered include: elementary enrollment, pre-primary enrollment, parent and family involvement, international comparisons of fourth and eighth graders' performance in mathematics and science,…