The quality of classroom interactions has typically been studied using aggregates of ratings over time. However, within-day ratings may contain important variability. This study investigated within-day variability using the NICHD Study of Early Childcare and Youth Development's observational data during grades 3 and 5. The first question examined…

Observes a fifth grade classroom where students were heterogeneously grouped for reading to see how the teacher organized and managed this type of grouping. Examines the effect on students' reading. Includes a description of the teacher's plan and outlines factors contributing to the success of the plan based on observation and student reports.…

Examines the perceptions of elementary school students regarding who among their fellow students are "better readers." Particular attention is given to the effects of differences in classroom organization, student age, and student ability on student perception. (MP)

Describes a bilingual program where bilingual students and students taught in English are integrated socially and academically. The program fosters strong bonds between monolingual and bilingual students and teachers, acceptance of individuals regardless of ethnicity, development of English without loss of the native language, and better ties with…

Examines how teachers allocate instructional time in reading classes. Indicates that teachers used 34% of time in reading and responding; 24.89% in listening and discussing; 8.36% waiting; 20.28% completing skill development; 7.52% in telling, writing, and narrating; 3.47% in other activities. Notes that the recommendation that time spent reading…

Eight highly structured fifth- and sixth-grade classrooms were compared with seven less structured classrooms with respect to the degree to which teachers', classmates', and self ratings of ability to read were in agreement. It was suggested that classroom structures may effect perceptions of ability. (CTM)

Presents findings of a qualitative study of musical learning processes. Findings are reported in terms of the nature of strategies used by children as they work with peers to solve compositional problems. Also finds that successful students moved back and forth from holistic approaches to segmented activities. (CFR)

Describes a study which explored the effects of a program to help low-achieving fourth and fifth grade students increase their mathematics achievement. Students and teachers organized into a community of learners; the curriculum, organized around units of study with major concepts, skills, and operations, was effective for all achievers. (SM)

A whole-class model providing for student diversity through remediation and enrichment in small groups was compared with a two-group model accommodating diversity through fixed within-class ability groups. Higher mathematics achievement was found for the whole-class model in a study of 1,736 fourth, fifth, and sixth graders. (SLD)