Uses simulated data to assess the adequacy of two econometric and linear-programming techniques (data-envelopment analysis and corrected ordinary least squares) for measuring performance-based school reform. In complex data sets (simulated to contain measurement error and endogeneity), these methods are inadequate efficiency measures. (Contains 40…

Data from a large sample of Australian twins indicate that 50 to 65 percent of variance in educational attainments can be attributed to genetic endowments. Only about 25 to 40 percent may be due to environmental factors, depending on adjustments for measurement error and assortative mating. (Contains 51 references.) (MLH)

Estimates a college-attendance equation for a common set of students (from the High School and Beyond Survey) using three popular econometric specifications: the multinomial logit, the ordered probit, and the bivariate probit. Estimated marginal effects do not differ significantly across the three specifications. Choice of specification may not…

Explores whether flexible nonlinear models (including neural networks and genetic algorithms) can reveal otherwise unexpected patterns of relationship in typical school-productivity data. Applying three types of algorithms alongside regression modeling to school-level data in 183 elementary schools proves the hypothesis and reveals new directions…

Applies comparative techniques originated by K. Wolpin and G. Psacharopulos to discriminate between the "weak" and "strong" screening hypotheses, employed to determine whether societal investment in upgrading or expanding education is justified. Controlling for sample selection, this study finds evidence for weak screening in the Italian labor…

Applies neural network methods for forecasting 1991-95 per-pupil expenditures in U.S. public elementary and secondary schools. Forecasting models included the National Center for Education Statistics' multivariate regression model and three neural architectures. Regarding prediction accuracy, neural network results were comparable or superior to…

Combines 1987/88 household-budget survey data and public-budget consolidated data to yield a nonestimation-based measure of the benefit of public education outlays in Greece. As expected in a country with free education and limited private education, transfers in elementary and secondary education contribute strongly to declining inequality. (28…

Investigated the effect of graduate education on job performance, using a database of U.S. Navy officers, focusing on supervisor ratings and promotion probabilities. Among those eligible for promotion to grade 4 (the up-or-out point), those with any graduate degree are more likely to be promoted. (25 references) (MLH)

Provides statistical evidence suggesting that U.S. college and university managers (presidents) pursue goals consistent with economic theory in the context of firm ownership. Managers' tenure differs according to firms' organizational structure. Public institutions' nontransferable property rights reduce incentives to detect managerial…

Revisits determinants of college student evaluations in a model allowing for the possibility that (expected) grades are simultaneously determined. Estimates evaluations using both ordinary least squares and two-stage least squares, finding that grades do affect a college instructor's evaluation. Results suggest that instructors can "buy" better…

Presents IV (instruments variables) estimates of returns to schooling for Honduran males by exploiting variation in schooling's availability at the time individuals were eligible to commence their education. IV estimates surpass ordinary least-squares estimates. Higher rate of return estimates are driven by greater schooling attainment and higher…

Recent within-twin estimates of schooling returns are considerably higher than existing estimates. This paper shows that small ability differences among twins can yield more upward omitted-ability bias (and more upward bias overall) in the instrumental variables estimate correcting for measurement error than in the standard within-twin estimate.…

Reexamines Ashenfelter and Krueger's estimates of schooling returns (13%), using three additional years of the same twins survey. Finds a 10% return per year of schooling completed. The within-twin regression estimate of schooling's effect in the log wage is smaller than the cross-sectional estimate. (14 references) (MLH)

Using a new twins sample, presents new estimates of schooling returns and "ability" bias and tests that bias's significance. Ability bias may exist even if ability's genetically-endowed component does not affect schooling decisions directly when correlated with other family characteristics (like income) that do affect schooling. (19 references)…

Many view central-city schools as bloated, inefficient institutions that pass students through the system regardless of performance. A least-squares analysis of 602 Ohio schools upholds this view. Although inner-city schools depress standardized test scores, more students graduate than expected. Social promotion may be responsible. (27 references)…