In a low-income south Texas school with primarily Mexican American students, teacher assessments of fourth-grade students' content reading ability and work habits predicted student success for that school year, as measured by grades and achievement scores. Teacher input can be critical in the early identification of students at risk of dropping…

Discusses the development of a project-based approach to history instruction as a result of student dissatisfaction with a more traditional curriculum. Maintains that interested and motivated students take more responsibility for their learning. Presents project descriptions and provides recommendations for implementing the approach. (CFR)

Describes an integrated curriculum approach to world history using a "medieval" newspaper as a primary student project. Presents technical requirements, a newspaper outline, and recommendations for research and writing. Includes recommendations for student evaluation and teacher resources. (CFR)

Thirty sixth graders in accelerated mathematics classes were taught in cooperative-learning teams for 12 weeks. Students appeared to benefit academically, personally, and socially from the cooperative-learning strategies used to teach mathematics, cooperative-learning skills, effective communications, internal locus of control, and personal…

Contends that the issue of diversity and cultural pluralism is generally defined as an educational goal. Presents a lesson using Kurt Vonnegut's "Harrison Bergeron." Includes student objectives, the short story, step-by-step instructional procedures, extension activities, and a list of recommended books on this topic. (CFR)

This study examined whether the Teach Well wellness program, offered to elementary teachers, would have an impact on teacher and student cardiovascular health, particularly diet. Evaluation of teachers and students at participating and nonparticipating schools found few significant differences between experimental and control groups but…

For this study, middle-school teachers, students, and principals completed surveys on organizational climate, quality of life, and use of recommended middle-school practices. Student attitudes toward school life were only slightly affected by openness in faculty relationships; they were more affected by classroom organization and use of accepted…

Describes a study that compared the effects of cooperative and individual learning on fifth and sixth grade student performance and attitudes during interactive videodisc instruction for science. The use of heterogeneous ability groups is discussed, time on task is examined, and further research is suggested. (22 references) (LRW)

Describes a study that examined the attitudes of 8- to 12-year-old U.S. and former Soviet children toward computers by comparing their responses to attitude statements and their drawings of computer users. Previous computer attitude studies are reviewed, and differences in gender and level of parental use of computers are discussed. (41…

Thirty-six educationally disadvantaged gifted fifth grade students completed a program to reinforce their academic skills in either language arts or mathematics. Compared to controls, subjects showed gains in achievement and aptitude test scores in language arts as well as mathematics and then became eligible for challenging gifted/talented…

The author of EC 604 296 explains the evolution of a pilot project to improve the basic skills and thinking ability of gifted minority children to improve their performance on standardized tests. The paper reviews the effects of the project and notes changes recommended in repeating the program. (JDD)

Discusses future changes in instruction, particularly in grades five through nine. Highlights include technology-induced changes; changes in the authority structure, including teachers as managers of information; multidimensional learning environments; rate of learning, including time on task; curriculum knowledge of teachers; thinking skills and…

Recommends providing fifth and sixth grade students in social studies classes with an understanding of how people lived in a specific era through original experiences. Outlines two lesson plans for studying ancient Egypt, giving students hands-on experiences. Finds lessons appropriate for special education students and those with limited English…

Describes two middle schools (IS 218 in New York City and Hanshaw School in Modesto, California) that stand out as models of how to put together innovative schooling plus help children and their families by providing health and social services on site. Both schools are located in poverty neighborhoods and enroll mostly students from disadvantaged…

Describes the participation of four middle school students at the World Youth Conference on Human Rights. Discusses interdisciplinary efforts at a private school to celebrate the founding of the United Nations. Outlines student volunteer activities for both local and international causes. (CFR)