Foreword

The Research and Development (R&D) series of reports at NCES has been initiated to

• share studies and research that are developmental in nature. The results of such studies may be revised as the work continues and additional data become available;
• share the results of studies that are, to some extent, on the "cutting edge" of methodological developments. Emerging analytical approaches and new computer software development often permit new and sometimes controversial analyses to be done. By participating in "frontier research," we hope to contribute to the resolution of issues and improved analysis; and
• participate in discussions of emerging issues of interest to educational researchers, statisticians, and the federal statistical community in general. Such reports may document workshops and symposia sponsored by NCES that address methodological and analytical issues or may share and discuss issues regarding NCES practices, procedures, and standards.

The common theme in all three goals is that these reports present results or discussions that do not reach definitive conclusions at this point in time, either because the data are tentative, the methodology is new and developing, or the topic is one on which there are divergent views. Therefore, the techniques and inferences made from the data are tentative and subject to revision. To facilitate the process of closure on the issues, we invite comment, criticism, and alternatives to what we have done. Such responses should be directed to

Marilyn Seastrom
Chief Statistician
Statistical Standards Program
National Center for Education Statistics
Institute of Education Sciences
1990 K Street NW
Washington, DC 20006-5651