The study compared two special education models, resource and self-contained, to investigate the effects of delivery systems on academic achievement of 170 educable mentally handicapped (EMH) students (8 to 12 years old) and to determine which of the two models is more cost effective. There was a significant effect of educational setting on the…

The effects of selected instructional approaches and classification factors and their interaction on student achievement in vocational agriculture programs were investigated. The instructional approaches tested included audio-tutorial, single-concept films, prepared lesson plans, field trips, demonstrations, video tapes, and overhead projected…

In this publication are three short articles on successful school practices. "Learning Is the Outcome; Test Scores Are Just the Measure" describes test-preparation efforts in Mesa, Arizona, public schools. The district has instituted a program to assist principals and teachers in aligning curriculum, instruction, and assessment, and in…

This study examines the impact of 2 professional learning community (PLC) classroom practices on the English Language Arts achievement of California's most at-risk subgroups between selected higher- and lower-performing elementary schools in a southern California school district. The conclusions from this study agree with the body of research,…

In the wake of the accountability movement, school administrators are inundated with data about their students. How can they use this information to support student achievement? "Data Wise: A Step-by-Step Guide to Using Assessment Results to Improve Teaching and Learning" presents a clear and carefully tested blueprint for school leaders. It shows…

Examines implications of IEA international educational research for educational policies in three areas: overall quality of the national educational system, including success in achieving social and economic objectives; structure of the formal system and its influence on student achievement; and influence of school resources and instructional…

The purpose of this study was to compare the academic achievement of 543 urban 4th- (n=291) and 8th- (n=252) grade students who attended Montessori or traditional education programs. The majority of the sample consisted of minority students (approximately 53 percent), and was considered low income (approximately 67 percent). Students who attended…

To aid members of the news media in looking at the issues of quality in postsecondary education, the authors of the recently published "Student Success in College: Creating Conditions that Matter" distill some useful factors for the media and the general public to use in assessing the quality of education at four-year colleges and universities.…

This presentation summarizes effective strategies and programs for nurturing students who are gifted in science. A smorgasbord of educationally accelerative opportunities is recommended, to enhance students' potential for future development in science. These opportunities may include field trips, advanced placement courses, and science summer…

This paper reviews the literature on mastery learning theory and reports its successful application since 1987 with mainstreamed special education students at one elementary school in Missouri. The methodology, originally developed by Benjamin Bloom, involves formative evaluation after initial instruction followed by either corrective activities…

The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO), a nationwide nonprofit organization of public officials who head state departments of elementary and secondary education, provides leadership on major education initiatives. In 1999, CCSSO embarked on the initiative "Students Continually Learning," which focused on three issues: early…

Examines theories on which basic skills education for the minorities has been based, namely: (1) cultural deprivation; (2) integration; and (3) cultural difference/cultural pluralism. Discusses approaches for teaching English to students who speak other languages and suggests that the bilingual/bicultural approach provides the most benefits.…

The article examines the depressed academic achievement of deaf children from Black and Hispanic minority groups and notes implications concerning educational assessment, placement, student expectations, curriculum development, staffing, and policymaking. Demographic data are also provided. (Author/DB)

Researchers from Mid-continent Research for Education and Learning (McREL) have analyzed thousands of quantitative studies published over the last 30 years to determine what works in classrooms and in schools. In two earlier meta-analyses, McREL identified teacher and school practices that have the largest effects on student achievement. McREL has…

The dilemmas facing urban schools can be examined on the instructional level. Low achievement of inner city students is attributable largely to educational inequities. Often the expectations and attitudes of teachers, parents, and students work in combination to yield a nonproductive learning climate. This negative climate is preserved by…