From Library Journal
The first report of findings of a large-scale comparison of sophomores and seniors in public, Catholic, and other private schools ( High School Achievement, Basic Bks., 1982) provoked much controversy. The study, which showed higher performance on standardized tests by private school students, was questioned for its lack of control of background variables. This follow-up study compares the same students two years later. It shows Catholic school students still ahead in some areas, with a much lower dropout rate, and more likely to continue in college. The authors have turned from an analysis of the schools to that of the functional communities behind them in an effort to find reasons for the differences. Their theory of an educational community which provides students with motivation, and human and social capital, may well be the most valuable contribution of these studies. Shirley L. Hopkinson, Library & Information Science Div., San Jose State Univ.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.
