After the authors reviewed the "State of State Standards--and the Common Core--in 2010" they found that the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) were clearer and more rigorous than the English language arts (ELA) standards in 37 states and stronger than the math standards in 39 states. States were encouraged to adopt the CCSS. By 2013 the…

This study examines the COVID-19 shift to online instruction and its impact on a charter school system (CSS) 3rd-10th grade students' academic achievement through the lens of noncognitive factors. We recruited 693 students and utilized qualitative and quantitative analyses. We found that students' NWEA math and ELA scores continued to increase…

Since the emergence of middle schools as distinct educational settings in the 1960s, proponents of the model have advocated for structures and approaches that best meet the particular developmental needs of young adolescents. Middle school researchers have developed frameworks of best practices for schools that have been widely, if not uniformly,…

In the past, literacy was defined as the ability to read and write. According to the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE, 2013), this definition has evolved and expanded to now include the ability to effectively utilize technology, build cross-cultural relationships in order to solve problems, multitask, use multimedia texts in a variety…

We analyzed 5 years of Texas statewide data on high school size and college readiness in English Language Arts, math, and in both subjects for White students. Using Greeney and Slate's (2012) criteria, large-size high schools had over 1,500 students, medium-size high schools had 401 to 1,500 students, and small-size high schools had enrollments…

Schools' functioning as learning organizations provide educators the opportunity to focus on working together in innovative ways. However, it is unknown to what extent learning organizations exist in small high schools or whether small high schools' functioning as learning organizations improve academic achievement. The purpose of this study was…

This study compared five value-added models and illustrated the impact of model choice on the estimates of teacher effectiveness. The five models covered a broad range of technical procedures, some very simplistic and others very sophisticated. The five value-added models were applied to a common data set to generate teacher-effectiveness measures…

This study assessed the relationship of an Arts Summer Learning Program (Arts Program) to student academic performance and college readiness. A North Texas school district collaborated with a research-based Arts Program in 2010, and a new approach was implemented in the summer school program for low-performing students who had failed courses in…

This article describes an authentic assessment approach used in English/language arts and mathematics with gifted students in Texas elementary and secondary schools, which focused on developing instructional experiences that challenge gifted students and documenting student progress over time. The use of portfolios was valuable for both…

Reported are the results of a 20-day highly concentrated program of teaching mathematics, language arts, and human relations to disadvantaged fourth, fifth, and sixth grade students in Houston, Texas. This follow-up study is based on a sample of 80 students from the original group of 200. Findings show that: (1) there were no significant…

The Texas public school program for the minimally brain injured is outlined; guidelines are provided for screening, identifying, and evaluating the brain injured. The development of interpersonal relationships is described, with suggestions given for establishing behavioral controls and for conducting parent conferences and counseling; the…

Presented by the Texas Education Agency, this guide describes 75 validated programs approved for replication by the Demonstration Programs for School Improvement (DPSI) statewide steering committee for 1981-83. Administered by the Division of Dissemination, the network enables public and private school educators to visit, study, and adopt proven…