Background: Using meta-analytic review techniques, this study synthesized the results of 79 unpublished studies about the nature of transformational school leadership (TSL) and its impact on the school organization, teachers, and students. This corpus of research associates TSL with 11 specific leadership practices. These practices, as a whole,…

The issue of the "research-practice gap"--the problematic relationship between research in education and educational practice--has been widely reported in the literature. This critical literature review explores some of the causes and features of the gap and suggests some possible approaches for addressing it. These solutions involve changes in…

Meta-analysis is a useful tool for empirically reviewing large bodies of research. It assures that lecture materials are comprehensive and that highlighted studies are supported by a body of knowledge. Many educators are not familiar with the range of topics that has been empirically summarized using meta-analytic techniques. To fill this void, a…

The usefulness of meta-analysis in summarizing domains of primary research has led to widespread use of the techniques. Often, however, the researcher will have several options when cumulating empirical studies and readers will have questions regarding judgment calls made during a meta-analysis. In these cases, it is helpful to consult the primary…

This paper reviews meta-analysis procedures and several meta-analysis findings related to science teachings. Several generalizations are offered, one which indicates that instructional techniques which help students focus on learning (preinstructional strategies, increased structure in verbal content of materials, use of concrete objects) are…

Describes how the statistical technique of meta-analysis can be used to help resolve conflicting studies in social sciences. (ZWH)

A meta-analysis of 79 research reports on the effects of calculator use on students' achievement and attitude in grades K-12 was conducted. At all but one grade level, students using calculators maintained or improved their paper-and-pencil skills. Suggestions for the classroom are included. (MNS)

Reviews studies of singing which used elementary-aged subjects over the past 25 years. Summarizes studies done on the singing inaccuracies of children, and reviews studies on the processes required for accurate singing. Presents studies on factors affecting children's singing and examines the implications of this research for singing education.…

Findings of 79 research reports were analyzed to assess the effects of calculators on student achievement and attitudes. Except in grade four, use of calculators in concert with traditional mathematics instruction improved average students' basic skills with paper and pencil, both in working exercises and in problem solving. (MNS)

This article applies results of a previous meta-analysis of effective instructional practices with adolescents who have learning disabilities focusing on the factor, "Organization/Explicit," which contributed significant variance to effect size. This factor included the important instructional components of advance organization and explicit…

The National Early Literacy Panel (NELP) was appointed in 2002 and carried out its work under the auspices of the National Center for Family Literacy (NCFL). NELP's primary goal was to identify interventions, parenting activities, and instructional practices that promote the development of children's early literacy skills. The National Institute…

Examines path-analytic models linking measures of self-concept, attributions, and grades of 194 Filipino high school students. Finds attributions for successful outcomes to ability or effort mediated the causal relationship between achievement and self-esteem. Interprets negative paths from ability attributions for success in mathematics to…