This paper reports on a study that systematically analyzes the hundreds of collective-bargaining agreements for school districts in the state of Michigan. It examines collective bargaining's impact on Michigan's public education and makes recommendations that school boards should incorporate into their union contracts to improve their ability to…

This is the second progress report under "Academics 2000: First Things First," a Texas initiative under the Goals 2000 program. The Academics 2000 Education Improvement Plan, adopted in 1995, is organized under the nine objectives for Texas public education listed in the Texas Education Code. The progress report discusses implementation…

Assesses student responses to and evaluates effectiveness of exercises designed to develop critical and analytical reasoning skills in the biological sciences. In answering exercises consisting of problems in a multiple-choice format, students are required to write out justifications for acceptance/rejection of each choice. Significant improvement…

Evaluates the Study Improvement Program, an 11-week program to improve the study skills of college freshmen. Describes selection and training of undergraduate group leaders and outlines goals for each session. Results of a subjective evaluation showed the program was effective in improving grades and reducing dropouts. (Author/JAC)

This article reviews 15 empirical studies in the area of academic skill improvement for students with behavior disorders being served in public school settings. The review addresses the nature of the samples, dependent variables, independent variables, and results. It concludes that the studies contain much useful information for practitioners and…

Tests an intervention model of constructive conflict resolution (CCR) and cooperative learning in three urban high schools. Findings show that improvements in CCR increased social support and decreased victimization for the students. These changes improved student's attitudes, self-esteem, interpersonal relations, and academic achievement. (GLR)

This action research project implemented and evaluated a program for increasing time spent on homework. The project was intended to improve academic achievement among five employed high school students taking geometry and physical science who were also employed more than 15 hours per week. The problem of lower academic achievement due to…

This action research project devised and implemented an intervention for increasing student engagement in the learning process. The targeted population consisted of elementary students in an urban area in north central Illinois. The problem of non-engaged learning was documented by means of observation of class participation, a student attitude…

Cognitive/Academic Language Proficiency (CALP) is a construct developed by linguists that distinguishes everyday conversational language and language used in literature and on academic tests. The "No Child Left Behind Act" has created impetus for scientifically researched pedagogy that serves to increase academic achievement of groups…

This paper considers changing practice in literacy teaching from a traditionally individualized approach where great emphasis was placed on adult child interaction to a more teacher-directed program. September 1998 saw the introduction of a National Literacy Strategy in England. For the first time the national government prescribed not only what…

Described is a one-year study initiated to assist six teachers in developing student self-assessment instructional packages and to evaluate the impact of these materials on teacher/student behavior and attitudes. One of the lesson plans, on dress and manners for secondary students, is included. (Author/SJL)

Reports findings of a two-year study of undergraduates at a United Kingdom university concerning the development and implementation of a general-purpose computer-based assessment (CBA) system. Results of questionnaires, observations, interviews, and a comparative analysis of student scores in conventional examinations and computer-based…

Reviews the research on sightsinging instruction and achievement in the secondary choral ensemble and the variables related to student success at both the group and individual level. Explains that research on instructional time, methods, materials, and achievement will be divided into descriptive and predictive studies. (CMK)

Suggests that when students improve their ability to code-switch from the local dialect (African American English) to Standard English, they improved their academic achievement, particularly in science and math. Indicates that future teachers need to be exposed to many different cultures and dialects in terms of teacher preparation. (SG)

Examines the effectiveness of a personalized learning assistance intervention to overcome developmental students' procrastination in a computer-based introductory psychology course taught with the Personalized System of Instruction (PSI). An evaluation of the intervention suggests that it was effective in getting the procrastinating students to…