There is little empirical evidence that home-school education is as academically effective as traditional education, or that average and above-average academic achievement is sustained through high school. A sample of 110 home-schooled students (59 males, 51 females, ages 5 years 3 months to 19 years 6 months) were administered the…

Explores the impact of unannounced quizzes on students' performance on examinations by comparing course segments with quizzes to segments without quizzes. Finds that test scores following quizzes averaged half a letter grade higher than scores from segments without quizzes; C students demonstrated a grade gain of 84% of a letter grade. (CMK)

Describes journal writing as a way to actively engage students in learning about personality theories. Evaluates whether journals increased student learning by comparing test grades from two classes: one with assigned journals, the other without. Reports on students' responses on a questionnaire addressing journal writing. Discusses the findings…

THE FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TEXT OF THIS DOCUMENT: In general, coaching improves student scores on achievement and aptitude tests--including the SAT--but not very much. While the SAT is not invulnerable to coaching programs, only a few students have found impressive results. Coaching produces the following average gains: On the SAT, .15 standard…

By requiring limited-English-proficient students and students with disabilities to meet the same targets at the same times as all other students, the NCLB imposes a one-size-fits-all approach that ignores the individual child. Challenges school leaders to take care not to blame the students and still hold themselves accountable for continual…

Discusses improving student test scores based on an interview with Bob Berkowitz, co-developer of the Big6 approach to problem solving. Highlights include experiences at Wayne Central High School (Ontario Center, NY); cooperation between library media specialists and classroom teachers; viewing instruction as a series of information problems; and…

Discussion of the secondary school reform project at Brewster Academy (NH) focuses on the School Design Model and how technology has been used. Highlights include curriculum authoring tools; professional growth tools for teachers; and results of a longitudinal study that show improvements in SAT (Scholastic Assessment Tests) scores. (LRW)

Test accommodations are often given to students with disabilities as one means of removing construct-irrelevant barriers to proper measurement of their knowledge, skills, and abilities. However, the practice is controversial. This article reviews numerous studies that focused on the effects of accommodations on test performance. Consistent…

We investigated whether attribution retraining instruction (ARI) embedded in mathematics lessons in a second-grade classroom could help students (a) attribute their successes and failures to effort or lack of effort, (b) not attribute their successes and failures to uncontrollable factors, and (c) increase their mathematics scores. One…

The two city districts that made the greatest strides in math on the latest national assessment relied on similar strategies: building students' conceptual math skills and investing in professional development in that subject for elementary and middle school teachers. While administrators in Boston and San Diego say that many factors were at work…

Cognitive/Academic Language Proficiency (CALP) is a construct developed by linguists that distinguishes everyday conversational language and language used in literature and on academic tests. The "No Child Left Behind Act" has created impetus for scientifically researched pedagogy that serves to increase academic achievement of groups…

Presents research highlights indicating the success of the Core Knowledge Curriculum in raising test scores, building teacher enthusiasm, and lessening the need to reteach concepts at the beginning of the school year. Preliminary results from several elementary schools are highlighted. (GR)

Examines the effect of using "Learning Expedition", an integrated learning system based on computer-assisted learning, on the performance of mathematics students ages 11 to 13. Results of multiple-regression methods, used to estimate the statistical relationship between examination scores and time spent using "Learning Expedition," show a…

Reports findings of a two-year study of undergraduates at a United Kingdom university concerning the development and implementation of a general-purpose computer-based assessment (CBA) system. Results of questionnaires, observations, interviews, and a comparative analysis of student scores in conventional examinations and computer-based…

Describes Written Language Consultant, an expert system designed to help teachers teach special education students how to write business letters. Three main components of the system are described, including entry of students' test scores; analysis of teachers' uses of classroom time and management techniques; and suggestions for improving test…