Do schools reduce or perpetuate inequality by race and family income? Most studies conclude that schools play only a small role in explaining socioeconomic and racial disparities in educational outcomes, but they usually draw this conclusion based solely on test scores. We reconsider this finding using longitudinal data on test scores and…

Under Horace Mann, children aged 4-16 spent more days in school. Reformers concentrated their efforts on this group. Thus, although there was an overall decline in school attendance, 1820-60, economic historians need to consider quality as well as quantity in assessing the economic productivity of education. (Author/WM)

This report presents segmental and institution-specific enrollment and admissions data for 28 of the 29 institutions that comprise the Massachusetts public higher education system: the University of Massachusetts (4 campuses), the state colleges (9 institutions), and community colleges (15 institutions). Data are collected for the University of…

Facts about Massachusetts public schools are presented for quick reference in 20 tables. Part 1, "A Few Miscellaneous Numbers", contains brief tables of: (1) total budget; (2) per-pupil cost; (3) number of schools; (4) number of public school districts; (5) number of operating districts; (6) number of superintendents; (7) number of…

This examination of parent choice among public schools in Massachusetts begins with an expanded version of remarks made by C. L. Glenn to the Board of the National Education Association describing the parent choice options available in Massachusetts and the ways in which they have developed. Approximately four of five minority students in…

The Commissioner of Education reports on the work of the office and its publications over the year. Statistical summaries and discussion are presented on enrollment; attendance; teacher workforce and pay; school finance; state and territorial education; kindergarten; city education; education of the colored race; institutions for the superior…