Reviews research on the practice of ability grouping (the grouping of students for instruction by ability or achievement to create homogeneous instructional groups). Notes several negative effects of ability grouping, and discusses the implications of this research for classroom practice. (MM)

This synthesis offers a descriptive inventory of research studies of cooperative learning at the secondary level. While cooperative learning techniques vary, they all share an interest in finding an alternative to "frontal teaching"--the teacher instructing the whole class or individual seatwork by students. Cooperative methods allow…

Summarizes evidence from experimental research, ethnology, anthropology, and history about merits of multiage classrooms. Indicates studies show no consistent benefits of age segregation and some affective and social advantages from multiage grouping. Concludes that multiage and multigrade classrooms are socially and psychologically healthy…

In multigrade instruction, children of at least a 2-year grade span and diverse ability levels are grouped in a single classroom and share experiences involving intellectual, academic, and social skills. "The Multigrade Classroom" is a seven-book series that provides an overview of current research on multigrade instruction, identifies key issues…

This article examines some British classroom studies and raises further research questions on small group instruction (SGI) as a teaching tool. Considered are teachers' use of SGI; its efficacy for cognitive, language, and social development; and student-to-student interaction patterns in relation to seating, sex, and ability mix. (SJL)

Describes interventions used to enhance coping and stress management to children and adolescents. Argues that the model of stress upon which the intervention is based dictates the intervention. Implications are discussed of the acceptance of an extended Lazarus/Folkman model for interventions in schools. (CFR)

Block Scheduling has been considered a cure for a lengthy list of educational problems. This report reviews the literature on block schedules and describes some Oregon high schools that have integrated block scheduling. Major disadvantages included resistance to change and requirements that teachers change their teaching strategies. There is…

Examines the source of the current use of the label "Hispanic"; summarizes the historical diversity of the groups collected under this label; analyses the race, class, and ethnic components of Hispanic identity; and discusses the conscious use of a pan-ethnic identity for economic and political ends. (BJV)

Reviews research in the areas of classroom organization and management, delineating the principles underlying a comprehensive approach to these areas. (MP)

Reviews research on the principal's role as instructional manager. Considers four factors: instructional organization, including time, class size and arrangement, and grouping; school climate; the principal's exercise of authority, power, and influence; and the nonschool context, such as personal and district characteristics and the external…

Reviews 11 recent books and materials on the subject of literacy development. Groups the reviews into the subjects of overall classroom organization, organizing around literature, organizing around writing, and instructional materials. Notes a greater availability of works designed for use in primary grades than for upper elementary grades. (SG)

Addresses six environmental variables that can influence the behaviors of young children with disabilities: theoretical orientation of the program, amount of space available, classroom arrangement, length of the play period, effects of social vs. isolate toys, and the effects of different quantities of toys. (Author/CR)

This report presents a synthesis of a day-and-a-half interactive conference on research and development in reading attended by a group of reading specialists from Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas representing their state departments of education. It includes the two presentations "A Sampling of Research Within Reach"…

Meta-analytic reviews have shown that gifted students gain little from programs of minimal instructional modification (multilevel classes), more from greater modifications (cross-grade and within-class programs) and the most from those involving the greatest amount of curricular adjustment (enrichment and acceleration). (Author/DB)

Reviews literature on classroom environment from 1980 onward. Emphasizes elementary settings and students with behavioral deficits. Discusses structure and organization of classrooms, the cognitive process, student and teacher characteristics, and student outcomes. Concludes that research has shifted from cognitive outcomes in the classroom to…