Data from the 1987-88 National Assessment of Educational Progress School Questionnaire for grades 4, 8, and 12 were examined to determine relationships between policy changes and school climate and individual grouping variables. Reform is taking place where it is most needed (in large urban disadvantaged schools with non-white populations). (SLD)

Describes three projects that use technology to adapt curriculum to a global approach: (1) kindergartners using a videotape to see a Japanese child; (2) eighth graders using Macintosh networked workstations to produce hypermedia presentations on community issues; and (3) a high school class using a computer-based telecommunications system to…

Fifty-five eighth grade students in regular social studies classes participated in a study of the effects of the keyword mnemonic technique and distributed practice on learning social studies facts. The keyword mnemonic and distributed practice result in improved performance, and the effects are independent and cumulative. (SLD)

Discussion of performance assessment focuses on a study that was part of the International Evaluation of Achievement of computer education that tested students in grades 8 and 11 on word processing performance tasks. Results are examined to determine the useability, reliability, and validity of the process. (eight references) (LRW)

Investigated gender-related differences in the process of solving routine word problems using a nine-step strategy in (n=153) sixth- and (n=149) eighth-grade students. Females were slightly better than males at following the prescribed problem-solving process. Includes test items. (39 references) (MKR)

Analyzes students' conscious second-language learning activity and language problems students themselves recognize. Students answered a questionnaire regarding their learning habits. Successful and less successful language learners did not differ from each other in their general approach to learning. High achievers excelled at studying alone. (23…

Study investigated a preservice physical educator's methods of improving his monitoring skills during gymnastics to improve students' on-task behavior. He had to make decisions about data collection and design future lessons using the data. Results indicated he improved his positioning skills, but at the price of neglecting other pedagogical…

Reports the results of a questionnaire given to eighth-grade students in Moscow (Russia). Presents results on student opinions about the school environment, their teachers, their image of schools of the future, and the significance of peer groups in their lives. Includes quotes from students on each topic discussed. (CFR)

Data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress indicate that school characteristics as well as individual actions of students help to explain differences between 661 high-achieving and 1,894 low-achieving African-American eighth graders. Process variables connected with schooling rather than family background explain differences in…

Explores, in a reprint of the 1989 Junior Division National History Day winning paper, the history of some technological developments in Pennsylvania's coal mining industry. Examines the "breaker boys," youths who sorted coal in severe working conditions. Introduces Ellen Webster Palmer, who addressed the problem by organizing the Boys'…

A study of Southeast Asian-American immigrants showed that English writing skills for mainstreamed students were the same at the eighth-, tenth-, and twelfth-grade levels and were the same as nonnative university students. Results suggest that age on arrival was a more important factor than number of years in United States and grade at entry. (21…

Summarizes a midwestern study of single-parent seventh and eighth graders' special school needs and the effectiveness of school policies, programs, and practices in meeting those needs. The principals surveyed felt schools were more effective than parents in meeting certain student needs. Although principals felt specific approaches were…

A Many-Faceted Rasch Model (FACETS) for measurement of writing ability is described, and its use in solving measurement problems in large-scale assessment is illustrated with a random sample of 1,000 students from Georgia's Eighth Grade Writing Test. It is a promising approach to assessment through written compositions. (SLD)

Data from a longitudinal survey of mathematically precocious 13-year olds (n=1,247) were used to test 5 factors (quality and quantity of instruction, home environment, motivation, and ability) for their ability to predict educational achievement and educational and career aspirations. Students were followed until age 23. (SM)

Czech and German secondary students improved their English and learned more about each other's cultures by producing and exchanging English-language videos. The project is described, examining seven areas of student growth (e.g., improved self-image, English fluency, presentation skills, technological expertise, and cultural knowledge) and noting…