This first annual report describes student performance in reading and writing from the spring 1997 administration of the Colorado Student Assessment Program (CSAP). In this first administration of CSAP, all fourth grade students in Colorado were assessed. The report provides policymakers, educators, parents, and the community with a general…

This document presents uniformly collected data for the State of Maine and each of its counties on selected known risk factors for alcohol and drug abuse and the prevalence of substance abuse-related problems. A "Read Me First" section presents the state's approach to prevention. Information is provided on risk and protective factors,…

This report is based on a survey of two statewide samples of elementary schools whose fourth-grade students took a state test in reading, writing, mathematics, and listening. The first sample was a group of 30 schools whose scores had improved significantly from 1997 to 1998. The second sample was a comparison group of 10 schools that served…

Primary findings of the Maine Student Drug Survey, administered during the academic year 1995-96, are presented. Highlights of the study findings, selected prevalence findings, selected risk and protective factor findings, policy recommendations, and recommendations for future research are presented. The questionnaire and the study are described…

The current level of implementation of 18 basic middle school principles in the 147 Missouri schools that met the definition of middle schools is the focus of this study. Questionnaire responses were received from 101 of the schools' administrators. Mean scores, standard deviations, and mean percentages of the maximum possible scores yielded by…

The focus of this study is the current level of implementation of 18 basic middle school characteristics as perceived by principals of two groups of Ohio public schools, those organized by grades 6-8 and those organized by grades 5-8. Questionnaire responses were received from administrators of 166 of the 208 schools that met the definition of…

This paper presents findings of a study that identified Mississippi middle school principals' perceptions of middle school functions and characteristics. Three broad functions of middle schools include: (1) to provide a program especially adapted to diverse student needs; (2) to promote continuity of education; and (3) to introduce needed…

In the fall of 1993, the Nevada Department of Education conducted its third biennial survey to assess drug and alcohol attitudes and use among students in grades 6, 8, 10, and 12. The results of this survey are reported here. All of the state's school districts were represented by the 9,401 students participating. The survey findings are…

Conducted in order to assess the equity of student access to instructional computing at the sixth-grade level in Wisconsin public schools in the spring of 1985, this study examined teachers' perceptions, attitudes, and opinions on the status of instructional computing and the potential effects of these viewpoints on student access to computers.…

In order to assess the quantity and quality of equitable access to computers in Wisconsin public schools, teachers' perceptions, opinions, and attitudes about instructional computing were examined during the 1984-1985 school year. Questionnaires containing closed- and open-ended questions were mailed to all 510 sixth-grade teachers in K-6…

The statewide school survey monitors trends in substance use among public school students, identifies emerging problem areas, and serves as a basis of comparison for local school surveys. Chapter 1, "Description of Survey and Study Limitations," includes a brief history, survey methods, and terminology. Chapter 2 presents a "Comparison to the 1996…

Reports on a survey of computer use administered to 400 elementary mathematics or science teachers in South Carolina. Inquiries included: (1) purposes for which used; (2) brands available; (3) recommended software; (4) effects on students; (5) teacher training; and (6) audio or video packages used. (9 references) (MES)

Data from a 1992 statewide survey of students in grades 5-12 were analyzed to determine the extent to which cigarette smoking predicted alcohol and other drug use and acted as a gateway drug. Results indicated smoking was a powerful predictor for alcohol and drug use, and the relationship was dose responsive. (SM)

This report is a study of present practices and task force recommendations for restructuring education for middle-level learners in the State of Indiana. In spring 1989, a survey was distributed to 445 schools statewide that house students of grades 5-9. The responses from the 243 returns indicate that middle-school theory has not been fully…

A study identified the needs expressed by home economics teachers regarding middle-level education to provide a baseline from which to work toward development and implementation of a middle school home economics curriculum in North Dakota. A review of the literature isolated specific characteristics generally accepted as unique to developmentally…