Reviews and interprets evidence that demonstrates underachievement in working class children. Argues that any success with improving effectiveness of these students is determined by classroom teachers. Concludes that continuous efforts must be made to reduce the gap between everyday experience and classroom experience. (CFR)

A district-based leadership program has been designed to train teachers in self-assessment so they may independently improve their instructional skills. Teachers are trained to analyze their behaviors objectively through the use of audio and videotape. Instruction is also provided in creating and using checklists to assess classroom instruction…

Intended to help teachers assess the effectiveness of their reading program, this paper suggests how teachers can emphasize comprehension in reading, what behaviors students demonstrate related to getting and creating meaning when reading, and how the classroom environment can promote reading for meaning. After describing effective teacher and…