A new calculation and reporting method designed to improve accuracy in arriving at dropout figures was tested last year by 288 school systems. The study, called the Dropout Statistics Field Test, is sponsored by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). (MLF)

Describes four aspects of computer technology in education in the United States: (1) the number of computers available to students and teachers; (2) where the computers are located and how they are used; (3) the impact of computer use; and (4) hypotheses concerning nonuse, limited use, and inappropriate use. (Contains 13 references.) (LRW)

Discusses the greater need for education data brought about by the renewed emphasis on accountability in public education. "Projections of Education Statistics" features the kinds of information planners and policymakers will need for the future. Discusses shared responsibility for and benefits from high quality data at state and national levels.…

Provides current-year estimates of key statistics for public elementary and secondary schools based on survey data from late 1999. At that time, there were approximately 46.8 million students in prekindergarten through grade 12 in U.S. public schools, taught by an estimated 2.9 million teachers. Estimates expenditures for public elementary and…

Examined the education indicators used in the "Quality Counts" report published by Editorial Projects in Education in 1998. Discusses the degree to which persuasive or normative uses stemmed from the value judgments being made on the basis of the indicator data. (SLD)

A study by the U.S. Department of Education's National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) found that in 2003, the number of students being homeschooled was about 1.1 million. That's a whopping 29 percent increase from 1999, when the department first collected information on the subject. In this article, the author shares her experience being a…

Effective school studies, for the most part, have focused on different individual school-level independent variables influencing student achievement and have largely neglected examining contextual variables within the school or school community that may evolve as a result of responding to statewide accountability pressures, including examining how…

High levels of disruptive behavior, discipline referrals, and suspensions are among the symptoms of schools which have lost the bonds of respect. Educators face major challenges in transforming these school cultures. This article describes how restorative practices were implemented in certain southeastern Pennsylvania schools. The process of…

Since 1990, the Utah State Legislature (in House Bill 170) has required that all Utah School Districts submit an annual performance report to the State Board of Education and the Legislature by January 15th of each year. This document serves as a guide in compiling information, designing, and publishing school district performance reports.…

Course offerings and enrollments of students in public secondary schools for the 1972-73 period were discussed. (RK)

The public has a right to expect economy, efficiency, and ultimate reduction in all governmental spending; however, educators are cautioned about those persons using educational statistics as a basis only for reducing school funding. (Author/MLF)

This is one of a series of annual reports which describe standardized test performance of elementary school pupils in the Houston Independent School District (HISD). Tests reported include the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) and the Texas Educational Assessment of Minimum Skills (TEAMS). In addition to achievement scores, this report contains…

This document describes standardized test performance of pupils in secondary schools of the Houston Independent School District (HISD). Tests reported include the Iowa Test of Basic Skills (ITBS) and the Texas Educational Assessment of Minimum Skills (TEAMS). In addition to achievement scores, this report contains information about the students,…

In response to questions raised by the Pupil Accounting System Advisory Group concerning the criteria for determining a day of attendance and whether study hall time should be counted when measuring attendance, the Illinois State Board of Education conducted a comprehensive survey to ascertain current study hall policy and practice among the…

The purpose of this study was to determine the validity of school and district dropout data and, if possible, to establish an accurate dropout rate for the Dade County Public Schools. Several key school files and documents were examined; prior dropout data were examined; and a survey of school personnel was conducted. The general conclusion of the…