Search Results
Conference Paper
The skill content of recent technological change: an empirical exploration
We apply an understanding of what computers do to study how computerization alters job skill demands. We argue that computer capital (1) substitutes for workers in performing cognitive and manual tasks that can be accomplished by following explicit rules; and (2) complements workers in performing nonroutine problem-solving and complex communications tasks. Provided these tasks are imperfect substitutes, our model implies measurable changes in the composition of job tasks, which we explore using representative data on task input for 1960 to 1998. We find that within industries, occupations and ...
Journal Article
Upstairs downstairs: how introducing computer technology changed skills and pay on two floors of Cabot Bank
Assessing the differing impacts of a new computer technology on skills and pay in two departments of a large bank.
Journal Article
Standards, information, and the demand for student achievement
Higher student achievement, say the authors, has been severely hampered by a lack of good information comparing achievement levels with today's labor market requirements. They argue that by obtaining this information--in the form of academic standards and assessments--parents can more accurately evaluate the quality of their children's education.
Conference Paper
Improving urban public schools: suggestions for teacher union leaders
In an earlier session of this conference, one participant asked the panelists what advice they would give to an audience of union leaders representing teachers from urban public schools. In response to that question, I offer seven suggestions. Following my explanations of those suggestions, I conclude with slightly different versions that I believe serve as relevant advice to local and state educational policymakers.