This guide is designed to facilitate self-studies of planning and implementation of state-required summer reading camp programs for grade 3 students who scored at the lowest level on the state reading assessment. It provides a template for data collection and guiding questions for discussion that may improve instruction and increase the number of…

To improve test scores and instructional quality, school districts in New Brunswick (New Jersey) and Adams County (Colorado) implemented programs to increase student time on task. Administrators introducing time on task programs should involve teachers and principals in planning, answer six staff questions, and provide support for necessary…

A recent cost-benefit analysis was made of reduced class size, increased instructional time, computer-assisted instruction, and peer or cross-age tutoring. Tutoring turned out to have the greatest effect on student learning and to be the most cost effective. Implementation of a successful tutoring program is described. (MT)

A case study describes the installation of economic education at the kindergarten-primary grades in one state. The effectiveness of the process depends on the demand for such instruction, the materials available, the willingness and capabilities of teachers, and the time allocated for such instruction. (Author/RM)

This article reviews the literature on curriculum-based assessment (CBA) with students who have special education needs. Features of CBA common to various approaches and contributing most to its instructional effectiveness include teachers' evaluative attitudes and behaviors, focus and sustained attention on student performance, and facilitation…

This comprehensive guide presents the Anger Coping Program, an empirically supported group intervention for 8-12 year olds with anger and aggression problems. Controlled clinical research has demonstrated this program to reduce teacher- and parent-directed aggression; improve on-task behavior in the classroom; and enhance participants' verbal…

In a project led by Research for Better Schools (RBS), educators work with researchers to improve basic skills learning. Based on research findings relating the amount of time allocated for instruction and student achievement, one school made scheduling changes to reduce the time spent moving from one classroom to another. Other classroom…

This booklet surveys the possibilities in instituting a 4-day school week, an approach which has gained favor in some small school districts. The history of the 4-day week and its characteristics are first described. Drawing on case studies of districts that have begun the 4-day schedule, the authors enumerate the steps in proposing and…

A practicum was designed to improve the self-concepts of intermediate grade students and reduce behavior problems in their class. The practicum was implemented for 10 weeks in an alternative education class of 14 low socioeconomic status students with moderate learning and behavior problems. The three strategies employed were: (1) daily peer group…