Studies using tests scores as the dependent variable often report point estimates in student standard deviation units. We note that a standard deviation is not a standard unit of measurement since the distribution of test scores can vary across contexts. As such, researchers should be cautious when interpreting differences in the numerical size of…

Presents the results of a study comparing Spanish and mathematics scores of Chilean eighth grades in six types of public and private schools. Controlling for student and peer attributes, the initial results suggest that the average student scored higher on Spanish and mathematics tests in private nonvoucher schools than in the other types of…