This paper describes the collaborative activities among preservice and inservice personnel at a Professional Development School (PDS). Data was gathered from approximately 250 4th, 5th, and 6th grade students to assess measures of depression, attitude toward school, social functioning, and attributions. Relationships among these variables were…

Noting that enthusiasm for teaching has everything to do with attitude and a willingness to change and collaborate, this book discusses how an experienced teacher approaches teaching fourth-grade students in a school in Shaker Heights, Ohio. Topics covered include setting up the classroom, organizing for teaching, individualizing instruction,…

This study was conducted at a public school with a population of over 900 students. Among the main language groups represented were Punjabi, Hindi, Tamil, Estonian, Serbian, Arabic as well as 23 other language groups. The author monitored over 75 students, in grades 1, 2 and 4. She was interested in exploring what strategies best promoted…

Describes a preresearch library instruction program designed to familiarize fourth-grade students with reference materials. Reflections on the importance of library instruction are offered. Examples of multiple choice preresearch questions for a study of Japan and suggestions for adapting questions for higher and lower grade levels are given.…

Describes the use of cooperative learning centers (CLCs) in an inner-city fourth-grade classroom. These seven CLCs focused on mathematics, language, writing, learning with kindergartners, computers, interest group, and free reading, with students taking weekly turns at being the center "specialist" or group leader. The effectiveness of…

Examined six aspects of vocabulary instruction given to fourth and sixth graders prior to reading in two basal reading series. Found that words targeted for instruction were already known; instruction in the two series differed markedly; much of the instruction was not sufficient to improve comprehension; and instruction was not necessarily suited…

A whole-class model providing for student diversity through remediation and enrichment in small groups was compared with a two-group model accommodating diversity through fixed within-class ability groups. Higher mathematics achievement was found for the whole-class model in a study of 1,736 fourth, fifth, and sixth graders. (SLD)

Discusses the instructional effects of item organization and feedback density on posttest scores when using multiple-choice questions in computer-based instruction, based on two studies: one with third- and fourth-grade students, and one with eighth-grade low ability students classified as at risk. (27 references) (LRW)

This research examined the impact of the first-year implementation of an instructional intervention to promote achievement and equity in science and literacy for culturally and linguistically diverse elementary students. The research addressed three areas: (a) overall science and literacy achievement, (b) achievement gaps among demographic…

This research investigated the impact of personalizing mathematical word problems using individual student interests on student problem-solving performance. Ten word problems were selected randomly from a mathematics textbook to create a series of two assessments. Both assessments contained problems exactly as they appeared in the textbook and…

To examine the impact of transitioning 4th grade reading comprehension assessments to the computer, 219 fourth graders were randomly assigned to take a one-hour reading comprehension assessment on paper, on a computer using scrolling text to navigate through passages, or on a computer using paging text to navigate through passages. This study…

Efforts to address the problems of access and achievement for minorities and women in mathematics and science have been focused primarily at the secondary level. However, it has become increasingly apparent that intervention needs to begin earlier. This directory identifies and briefly characterizes intervention programs serving young minority…

This practicum was designed to increase the cultural awareness of fourth-grade students of contributions to American society by those of different races and colors. The program consisted of an integrated 12-week curriculum and a variety of materials allowing students to conceptualize the diversity of America. Students were exposed to other…

This study investigated teacher and peer perceptions of aggressive behavior across grade, sex, and school type. Using student sociometric nominations and teacher ratings, perceptions of aggressive behavior were analyzed to investigate grade, sex, and school differences. African American and Latino students in third through fifth grades and their…

The Ohio Fourth-grade Proficiency Tests, which are described in this information guide, are designed to measure a fourth-grade level of literacy and basic competence. Proficiency tests in writing, reading, mathematics, and citizenship were implemented in March 1995, and a science assessment is planned for March 1996. These tests will be…