Researchers investigated the effects of frequent classroom testing on students, examining studies on adjunct questions and on mastery testing. Meta-analysis of 40 studies indicated students who took at least 1 test over 15 weeks scored one-half of a standard deviation higher on criterion examinations than did students who took no tests. (SM)

Sixteen articles dealing with prereferral intervention were examined to determine its effect on special education service delivery practices, student performance, teacher abilities and attitudes, and disability classification rate, as well as to identify types of interventions used. Findings indicated that prereferral intervention can increase…

Summarizes research comparing boundaries around larger and smaller groups. Finds that the perception of group boundary permatbility varies with group size. Reports a greater perceived distinction between the group and the individual passerby as group size increases. Describes the effects of varying group member proximity. Discusses implications…

Several available summaries of research on coaching for the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) are described, and their principal findings are discussed. Several additional studies are reviewed, and their findings are related to the summaries. Overall, the effects of coaching may be less than many students suppose. (SLD)

Examines the extent to which the effect of gender of a target person on evaluators' judgments reflects evaluators' tendencies not to use the evaluee's gender because they assume case information is more valuable. Results with 144 female and 92 male college students in 2 studies demonstrate that evaluators do use gender stereotypes. (SLD)

Two sets of meta-analyses examined gender effects on parents' observed language with their children. Findings indicated that mothers talked more, used more supportive and negative speech, and less directive and informing speech than fathers. Mothers talked more and used more supportive speech with daughters than sons. Effect sizes depended on…

The effectiveness of instruction in word-problem solving for students with learning problems in 25 outcome studies was examined across student characteristics, instructional features, methodological features, skill maintenance, and generalization components. Computer-assisted instruction was found to be most effective for group-design studies;…

Discusses questions answered and raised by the Cooper et al. study. Summarizes study's methodological contributions and emphasizes the more important lessons that meta-analysts may take from the study. Situates the study within literatures on summer learning and on education for poor/minority children. Discusses the potential for summer school to…

The use of distance education for rural personnel preparation in special education and disability services was examined in the literature on 32 programs. The programs tended to have a narrow focus on graduate education in low-incidence disabilities; needed external support due to high costs; and had demonstrated sustainability. Emerging trends are…

This meta-analysis investigated how effective computer-assisted instruction (CAI) is on student achievement in secondary and college science education when compared to traditional instruction. Results showed a small positive effect for CAI use when used in simulation or tutorial modes, with individual computer use, and when used as a supplement to…

Presents a meta-analytic review of evaluations of state-funded preschool programs over 20 years. Identifies several methodological flaws but also suggests that pattern of findings offers modest support for positive impact in improving children's developmental competence, improving later school attendance and performance, and reducing subsequent…

A meta-analytic review of all adequately designed field and laboratory research on the use of incentives to motivate performance is reported. Of approximately 600 studies, 45 qualified. The overall average effect of all incentive programs in all work settings and on all work tasks was a 22% gain in performance. Team-directed incentives had a…

Over the past 25 years there has been an increasing and worldwide research interest in music education, embracing a range of disciplines and perspectives. As well as particular research foci on the nature of curricula, musical behaviour and development, new research literatures have been developed that link music education with ethnomusicology,…

Method: Sixteen studies on attachment in children with autism were reviewed, and ten studies with data on observed attachment security (N = 287) were included in a quantitative meta-analysis. Results: Despite the impairments of children with autism in reciprocal social interaction, the majority of the studies found evidence for attachment…

Several decades ago, as the composition of the workforce changed and married women increased their labor-force participation rates, federal policies were designed to help employees balance work and family responsibilities. And as the gender composition of faculty in colleges and universities increasingly changed as well, a broad-based movement…