Examined the class distributional properties of 200 elementary school classes in 2 school districts. Fifty-six classes were combination classes of students from 2 grades. Principals and teachers tended to assign higher ability and more independent students to such classes, and these assignments affected the class distributional properties.…

Despite some fears that small schools would have difficulty implementing the British National Curriculum, findings from 50 schools (9 with fewer than 100 students) show that small schools may provide greater opportunities for innovative curriculum and class organization and strong curricular leadership from headmasters who teach. (SK)

Attributes one elementary school's rising test scores to the principal's introduction of a computer-based curriculum and integrated learning system; a neighboring elementary school's laboratory approach proved unsuccessful. For technology-based change to work, the principal must understand the technology, know the school's instructional and…

Recent British discussion paper raises issue of how children should be organized for teaching in primary classrooms. Although contrasting relative strengths and limitations of whole class and group organization, paper fails to show how teacher should move from one form of classroom organization to another. Article reviews different classroom…

This action research project implemented and evaluated a program for improving classroom seating arrangements in order to increase on-task behavior among students in second and third grade. The problem of off-task behavior was documented by means of behavior checklists and anecdotal records. Analysis of probable cause data revealed that students'…

In light of the importance of a teacher's managerial ability and the use of small and large group instruction to increase direct instruction time, teachers should apply specific managerial skills in their reading classes to ensure student learning. Successful teachers get to know their students, set instructional goals, and make sure students know…

Twenty-eight third grade teachers were observed by a team from the Research and Development Center for Teacher Education at the University of Texas in order to identify discipline and teaching strategies most conducive to the establishment of a successful student-teacher relationship. This package is the result. Ideas and suggestions designed to…

The author taught in an open-space classroom at Argyle Junior High in Montgomery County, Maryland. Here is a candid look at the inner workings of a room without walls. (Editor/RK)

Presents a bibliography of current professional articles on topics such as the open classroom, classroom organization, learning theory, motivation, the use of traditional teaching materials, and reading instruction. (MAI)

Describes several ways to create a classroom environment conducive to reading, including designing reading bulletin boards, creating reading and writing centers, and establishing "discovery spots" to encourage young readers. (MM)

In multigrade instruction, children of at least a 2-year grade span and diverse ability levels are grouped in a single classroom and share experiences involving intellectual, academic, and social skills. "The Multigrade Classroom" is a seven-book series that provides an overview of current research on multigrade instruction, identifies…

Changes in classroom organization and pedagogic style in English primary education are underpinned by normative expectations which diverge from those prevalent in the "traditional" classroom; this is not explicit in the argument comparing American and English approaches. (Author/JM)

Over 30 activities for elementary school classes during the first week of school are described. Ideas are included for a first day checklist, correct pronunciation of names, getting acquainted games, and classroom organization hints. (CJ)

The authors assert that school writing programs inhibit students through meaningless topic assignments and emphasis on the technical aspects of transcription rather than the really basic skill of composing. They describe a first-grade classroom ideal for writing instruction, where the teacher collaborates in children's writing, instead of teaching…

Friendship choices were found to be distributed more evenly in classrooms where greater student interaction is permitted. (JD)