This article is based on a doctoral dissertation submitted by the first author, under the direction of the second author, to the University of Massachusetts.

Describes an art activity in which sixth graders made mirror-image masks using only two primary colors and one secondary color. Students discussed the effect of color combinations and the use of masks in folk and modern cultures. (AM)

Sixth-grade students relive the history of the fall of Rome in a simulation game. An example of student comparisons of Roman and Barbarian strategic advantages indicates how the game increased their understanding of the causes of the fall of the Roman Empire. (AM)

Sixth grade students in a special studio class completed a Malaysian copper tooling project. Procedures, techniques, materials and time requirements for the project are presented. (AM)

Examines the error detection task, a paradigm used to measure metacognitive skill. Finds that conceptual tempo, passage readability, and error type, as well as reading ability, influence sixth-grade students' performance on error detection tasks. (MM)

Considers that when students from different ethnic backgrounds interact in multicultural schools, misunderstandings can arise due to the uncertainties present in encounters between people from different backgrounds. Identifies experiences students report as promoting positive interethnic relationships and those which negatively impact interethnic…

Reports on the achievement of 177 sixth grade mathematics students who were studied over two consecutive years. The purpose of the study was to determine whether learning and achievement were optimal in heterogeneous or homogeneous ability groups. Results show a significant difference between posttest scores of the 1995-1996 heterogeneous cohort…

Delivering a powerful anti-bullying message to middle school students is a challenge for middle level administrators, their staff members, and their students. However, there are many options to tackle this challenge. One option is to import a well-respected and capable external expert to present an anti-bullying program to students and offer…

Southern and Eastern Africa Consortium for Monitoring Educational Quality (SACMEQ) is fast emerging as a globally recognized initiative in the area of the monitoring and evaluation of educational quality, and the results of its research and training have not only been used within the member countries, but elsewhere too. SACMEQ has had a presence…

This paper explores the relationship between teacher testing and teacher effectiveness using a unique dataset that links teachers to their individual students. My findings show a positive relationship between some teacher licensure tests and student achievement. But they also suggest that states face significant tradeoffs when they require…

The purpose of this study was to determine middle school students' attitudes toward physical education using an attitude instrument grounded in attitude theory. In addition, this investigation also sought to ascertain if gender and grade level influence student attitudes toward the subject matter. Participants for this study were 995 students from…

Army National Guard Sergeant James Reynolds is one of about 10,000 former and current military service members who, since 1994, have arrived in the classroom via the federal Troops to Teachers program. Reynolds, who was serving as rear gunner on a Humvee patrolling a Bosnian town, is currently teaching 6th grade students at Hybla Valley…