One perspective of cognitive rigor is the extent to which classroom instruction demands students to use critical thinking skills. As schools attempt to increase academic outcomes, one area of interest is the potential for engaging students in learning by increasing the use of critical thinking. The present study analyses the effect of critical…

This article contains an analysis of a component of a large-scale reform effort in an urban school district that entailed placing high school students identified as underperforming in literacy in separate classes aimed at accelerating their learning. The relationship between students academic performance and social backgrounds, school…

Describes an alternative program for ninth-graders "having adjustment problems." The voluntary program includes simple and consistent classroom rules, frequent graded assignments, and a focus on relevance to students' life experiences; students are encouraged to do schoolwork through a system of group rewards. (MCG)

Developed to improve the self-concept and study skills of underachievers, this project brought together 20 ninth graders for 3 periods daily with 1 teacher for English, geography, and supplemental instruction. Results include improved self-confidence, a lower dropout rate, and better grades for 12 students. (MJL)

To examine the effects of advancing ninth graders to some form of high school, a suburban Midwestern school district was studied for ninth graders' perceptions of the senior-high environment, noting also their participation in school activities and the use of controlled substances. (JW)