The pattern of RIASEC interests and academic skills were assessed longitudinally from a large-scale national database at three time points: eight grade, 10th grade, and 12th grade. Validation and cross-validation samples of 1000 males and 1000 females in each set were used to test the pattern of these scores over time relative to mean changes,…

In this paper, we use the theory of didactic situations to characterize a mathematics teaching practice, currently used in secondary schools in France, which we have called "interactive synthesis discussion." We have studied this practice in ordinary classes, i.e. classes where the researcher intervenes neither in the preparation nor in…

This is the 12th annual report on conditions affecting the Racine Unified School District (RUSD). This year, the analysis again focuses on the long-term historical trends in RUSD. The analysis compares RUSD data to data of nine peer school districts as well as statewide data. The peer districts are defined as those Wisconsin districts with…

This report describes the dieting practices of 796 Nebraskans in grades 8 and 10. The results presented in this report are based on questions from the 1989 National Adolescent Health Survey administered to a total of 1,689 adolescents. These topics are covered: (1) incidence of dieting in adolescent males and females; (2) methods used by dieters…

GRADES OR AGES: Grades 7-12. SUBJECT MATTER: Art. ORGANIZATION AND PHYSICAL APPEARANCE: The guide is divided into 17 chapters in either straight text or list form, illustrated with examples of student art products. It is mimeographed and spiral bound with a paper cover. OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES: A philosophy of art education and related general…

In this report, School Resource Officer (SRO) programs in four school districts are examined. The study was primarily concerned with what variables affect students' comfort level in reporting crimes to the SRO, and their perceptions of safety. The analysis was driven by data obtained through surveys of 907 students. Using these data, seven…

Close monitoring and warm encouragement by teachers in a structured setting appear to provide the most conducive learning situation. Students' 8th- and 10th-grade performances are studied, measured by their aptitude and their treatment by teachers. Aptitude patterns vary markedly within teacher treatment. (CM)

The authors investigated the relationship between self-perceptions of ability and achievement in math, science, and English from Grades 8 to 11 (N = 342). A state-trait model that included an association between stable (i.e., trait-like) components of self-perceptions and achievement as well as time-specific (i.e., state-like) effects during the…

Introduction: This research sought to investigate how school students build on their existing knowledge of a curriculum topic and transform found information into personal knowledge, and how their knowledge of this topic changes. Method: The qualitative study involved 574 students from Grades 6 to 12 in ten New Jersey schools. The context for data…

This paper summarizes an evaluation of a three-year school-based abstinence education program that was taught in 21 public schools to eighth- and 10th grade students in Southeastern Alabama between 2003 and 2005. The abstinence education curricula utilized with the students were "Choosing the Best" and "Navigator" programs. A…

Noting that statewide writing assessment shows the achievements of Oregon students over the last decade, this booklet explains the results for the 1993-1997 assessments and provides papers illustrating the work that Oregon students in grades 8, 10, and 11 produce on the state test. The booklet's chapters are: (1) The History of Writing Assessment…

Reports about U.S. schools have indicated the need for improvement of science teaching and learning. One of the solutions advocated calls for classroom contexts that allow for authentic practice under the guidance of teachers who model pertinent skills as practitioners in the field of study. The metaphor used to describe such teaching-learning…

This report provides information on how Hawaii's students performed on the 1987 and 1988 administrations of the Stanford Writing Assessment (which was adopted as part of Hawaii's Statewide Testing Program). Included in the report are a state summary of the performance of students in grades 3, 6, 8, and 10 and an analysis of the assessment results…

Designed to help the secondary school teacher, particularly at the junior high school level, this booklet presents ways in which the daily newspaper can be put to use in the classroom. The first part of the booklet discusses ways in which the teacher can become better acquainted with the general reading habits of the students (included are a…

The first section of this issue briefly reviews the initial phase of Project Solo--an attempt to develop new approaches to mathematics education. Some limitations of the project are also discussed. Following this, the relation of such computer-based activities to math education is presented, including the researchers' belief that in grades 8…