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Full-Text Articles in Higher Education

A Practical Method Of Policy Analysis By Simulating Policy Options, James L. Phelps Sep 2011

A Practical Method Of Policy Analysis By Simulating Policy Options, James L. Phelps

Educational Considerations

This article focuses on a method of policy analysis that has evolved from the previous articles in this issue. The first section, “Toward a Theory of Educational Production,” identifies concepts from science and achievement production to be incorporated into this policy analysis method.


A Practical Method Of Policy Analysis By Estimating Effect Size, James L. Phelps Sep 2011

A Practical Method Of Policy Analysis By Estimating Effect Size, James L. Phelps

Educational Considerations

The previous articles on class size and other productivity research paint a complex and confusing picture of the relationship between policy variables and student achievement. Missing is a conceptual scheme capable of combining the seemingly unrelated research and dissimilar estimates of effect size into a unified structure for policy analysis and decision making. This article builds a rationale for a unifying structure and consistent method of estimating effect size.


Another Look At The Glass And Smith Study On Class Size, James L. Phelps Sep 2011

Another Look At The Glass And Smith Study On Class Size, James L. Phelps

Educational Considerations

One of the most influential studies affecting educational policy is Glass and Smith’s 1978 study, Meta-Analysis of Research on the Relationship of Class Size and Achievement. Since its publication, educational policymakers have referenced it frequently as the justification for reducing class size.


Educational Considerations, Vol. 39(1) Full Issue, James L. Phelps Sep 2011

Educational Considerations, Vol. 39(1) Full Issue, James L. Phelps

Educational Considerations

Educational Considerations, vol. 39(1)-Fall 2011-Full issue


A Practical Method Of Policy Analysis By Considering Productivity-Related Research, James L. Phelps Sep 2011

A Practical Method Of Policy Analysis By Considering Productivity-Related Research, James L. Phelps

Educational Considerations

The basic notion underlying schooling is rather simple: Hire teachers to instruct students. From there, the tasks become more complicated. How many teachers should be employed? What assignments should the teachers be given, in the classroom or in a supporting role? What assistance should teachers receive from aides or volunteers?


A Journey, Not A Destination, James L. Phelps Sep 2011

A Journey, Not A Destination, James L. Phelps

Educational Considerations

Closing Essay: Much of the motivation and ideas for the articles in this special issue originated with my dear friend, Maris Abolins, Professor Emeritus of Physics at Michigan State University. We started as neighbors and, as our kids grew up together, we socialized frequently. He is responsible for my interest in physics. I would read a physics book, which would become the subject of our next dinner conversation (while our wives talked about other, more social topics). Instead of a compilation of facts, physics became a way of thinking about problem solving. The “unified field” theory was the start of …