Richard W. Rathge

Predictors of academic performance during early adolescence: A contextual view:

Utilising the National Education Longitudinal Study of 1988 (NELS: 88), this study examined some of the frequently used indicators of social capital and resource capital as predictors of academic performance of 24,599 middle school adolescents (12,111 males and 12,244 females) ranging in age from 13–16 years. Sixty-eight per cent were White, 12.2% were Black, and 12.9% were Hispanic. The participants were drawn from a stratified national sample of over 1000 public and private schools in the United States. Data from NELS: 88 were analysed using indicators of social capital and resource capital. Preliminarily modelling indicated the need to separate social capital into two components: parental networks and student networks. Resource capital, including parent education, parent income, and educational items in the home, was most predictive of academic performance. In addition, student reported misbehaviour (behaviour) in school was included as a mediating variable. The findings indicated that both indicators of social capital were not strong contributors to academic performance among adolescents. Resource capital indicators were found to be stronger contributors to academic performance. The context variable (hypothesised as a mediator variable) of student misbehaviour in school was found to be the best predictor of academic performance. The results are discussed in relation to social capital theory and future research of viable predictors of academic performance among adolescents.

The Influence of Economic and Demographic Factors on Rural Church Viability

This study investigated the relationship between rural church viability and shifts in the contextual and institutional subsystems, using multiple regression analysis. It was hypothesized that rural church viability would reflect the adaptation of the contextual and institutional subsystem to change, using a systems perspective. Viability was measured by changes in the number of churches and church attenders in the rural counties of a midwestern state. Indicators of the contextual subsystem included population change, residential composition and concentration, and per capita income. Three denominational categories, Catholic, mainline, and conservative Protestants represented the institutional subsystem. Data used in the analysis came from surveys of active denominations in North Dakota in 1971 and 1980. Census data for 1970 and 1980 were also used. Results indicated population change was the most consistent predictor of rural church viability. However, the strength of association and predictive power of other contextual indicators varied markedly depending on denominational category. Thus, support for our hypotheses was marginal, suggesting the need to re-evaluate the complexity of the church as a social system.

Population Dynamics and Their Implications for the Ecosystems of the Great Plains

An important starting point in the examination of the Great Plains ecosystem is its population base. Residents play a dual role in the ecology of the region. First, they constitute a key resource base that contributes to the overall quality and conservation of the system. This resource is often referred to as human capital. Ironically, the second role they play within the ecosystem is that of consumers. People use and abuse the resources within the system. To a large degree, therefore, an understanding of the population size, distribution, and composition of residents in the region provides a useful context from which to assess and debate strategies aimed at appropriately managing the Great Plains ecosystem.

Farm Families in Transition: Implications for Rural

This study explores the characteristics of North Dakota families who quit farming between 1980 and 1986 for economic reasons. It describes (1) the demographic characteristics of former operators as well as the structural and financial characteristics of their former farms, (2) the financial circumstances of their departure from farming and the support systems they used in their transition, and (3) their current employment situation and perceived family financial well-being. These data are compared with those of a cross section of households that were operating farms in the state in 1986. The findings clearly indicate that significant numbers of farm families are making the transition to other occupations and that, in many cases, this transition involves migrating to urban areas. Displaced farmers who chose to leave their community were typically younger, more educated, and had less equity than those who chose to stay. Such selective migration poses numerous negative consequences for communities, such as d...

THE ROLE OF RURAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATIONS IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Success among rural community development corporations (CDCs) was analyzed using limited liability theory and organizational characteristics theory. Data were derived from a survey of 106 CDCs in North Dakota and South Dakota collected in the fall of 1989. Indicators of limited liability included membership, support, and activity variables while organizational indicators included leadership and decision making, organizational structure, and finance variables. Success was measured in terms of net change in businesses and jobs and achievement of the CDC goals. Stepwise regression was used to determine which set of indicators best predicted success. The results indicate that knowledge of the investment atmosphere which surrounds the CDC more effectively predicts the eventual success of a rural CDC than does knowing its organizational structure. Thus, insight into a communitys demographic profile and its environment are key to understanding success of rural CDCs.

Baby Boomers’ Impact on Work Force and Tax Issues in the Great Plains

This study examines the economic consequences of the aging of the baby boom generation, specifically focusing on the Great Plains. We illustrate the region’s stark differences in labor availability between metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. Using North Dakota as a case study, we examine the predicted change in available labor and income generation from 2000 to 2020 through an economic simulation model. Our findings indicate that the aging of the baby boom into retirement translates into a significant loss in wage income. Surprisingly, however, in spite of lost wage earnings in the short term, North Dakota’s tax collections will increase due to the aging of the baby boomers into a higher earnings age group who spend more of their disposable income. We conclude by addressing several policy concerns that arise from our analysis.