National Education Longitudinal Study

DESCRIPTION: The National Education Longitudinal Survey began in the spring of 1988 with nationally representative sample of eighth-graders. A sample of these respondents was then resurveyed through four follow-ups in 1990, 1992, 1994, and 2000. On the questionnaire, students reported on a range of topics including: school, work, and home experiences; educational resources and support; the role in education of their parents and peers; neighborhood characteristics; educational and occupational aspirations; and other student perceptions. Also included are self-reports on smoking, alcohol and drug use and extracurricular activities. In addition to the student questionnaire, for the three in-school waves of data collection (when most were eighth-graders, sophomores, or seniors), achievement tests in reading, social studies, mathematics and science were administered.

DATA and CODEBOOKS: Are available from ICPSR (http://www.icpsr.umich.edu/icpsrweb/ICPSR/studies/3955?archive=ICPSR&q=NELS).

WEBLINKS: http://nces.ed.gov/surveys/nels88/