The single most important thing that a teacher can do for a student is to identify and label specifically what the child does right rather than what he or she does wrong. In an elementary school where students wrote every day and teachers marked every error, students began to write less, using simpler words and eliminating all meaningful writing.…

This paper examines the implications of research on effective schools for professional development at the State and local levels. The first part of the paper gives an overview of the research and a description of the characteristics of instructionally effective urban elementary schools. The paper then explores how these characteristics can be…

Argues that the role of educational standards that has emerged from the National Education Summit is fundamentally misunderstood, does not address the issue adequately, and that using increased standards as a negative incentive is detrimental to students by punishing them for noncomplience. Explains the importance of student-centered standards,…

Responds to the article by Kevin Ryan appearing in this issue recommending moral values education in the schools. Although disagreeing to some extent with most of Ryan's proposals, this respondent expresses appreciation that the questions were raised, particularly with regard to teacher education and respect for multicultural values. (SM)

Examines the effectiveness of recognition and reward programs in holding schools accountable for the academic performance, various ways of measuring student academic performance, and the effects of incentive systems on teacher morale. Issues related to evaluating recognition and reward programs and questions related to how incentive programs can…

Argues that schools' efforts at boosting student self-esteem can backfire and create above-average rates of interpersonal and psychological problems, including aggression and violence. The benefits of promoting self-esteem are believed to be questionable and may ultimately be harmful. The problems caused by overinflating student self-esteem are…

The authors outline how the University College (UC) model can serve as an effective vehicle for others.

In this article, the author draws attention to the fact that in school evaluations, students will improve on state-mandated tests, but the improved scores will not influence a school's adequate yearly progress (AYP) status because those students' scores do not cross the proficiency point. A state's proficiency point on each of its standardized…

In higher education, there has been a return to the education of the student as the focal point instead of traditional research, with the emphasis on improving student learning by developing outcome goals and being able to assess them effectively. Some guidelines for a basic framework, such as those developed for a basic public speaking course at…

The Research for Better Schools Urban Education Project provides a different framework from current education-reform efforts for restructuring urban schools and improving educational quality. This volume organizes a set of invited papers according to the Urban Learner Framework themes of cultural diversity and learning, unrecognized abilities and…

In examining why performance scores on writing tests so often fail to improve in neat positive intervals for individuals and groups, testers have sought the answer in differences in test conditions on progressive retestings. Two other sources of performance variation are possible: the U-shaped learning curve or phenomenon of apparent regression…

A model is given of the Comprehensive Assessment and Program Planning System (CAPPS) in Indiana. The purpose of diagnostic/prescriptive teaching is discussed within the context of this model. (SA)

Argues that one flaw in America's school system that inhibits it from preparing students for successful futures is the unidimensional representation of students only by their achievements. Contends just as much attention needs to be given to students as social beings. (GR)

The author responds to Pinnell et al's (1996) call for caution in using cost-benefit analysis in measuring educational reform success. It is argued that reform already is being sold to state legislators and educators in cost-benefit terms and that research has been inappropriately used in the selling process. (GR)

Examines how educators can create a school culture that supports and nurtures the success and accomplishments of all students. Discusses the role of institutional core values; school heroes and leaders representing those values; the school's system of rewards, reinforcement, and punishments; the school's ceremonies and rituals; and how the…