A strong relationship between perfectionism and underachievement has been shown in the literature. Five characteristics of perfectionist students and teachers contribute to underachievement: procrastination, fear of failure, the all-or-nothing mindset, paralyzed perfectionism, and workaholism. (JDD)

Analyzes five intellective and nine non-intellective variables to develop mathematical models to predict freshman success and persistence. Lists and describes the variables. Explores the model's attempts in predicting grade point average and chance of success in an engineering school. (MVL)

A list is presented of 70 typical academic problems of learning-disabled children that special educators must be able to diagnose and remedy. The problems are categorized as follows: reading, language, spelling, handwriting, arithmetic, thinking, and school task and behavior problems. (JDD)

This study investigated the effectiveness of combining enhanced classroom instruction and intense supplemental intervention for struggling readers in first grade. Further, it compared two supplemental interventions derived from distinct theoretical orientations, examining them in terms of effects on academic outcomes and whether children's…

This handbook contains advice for the teacher in diagnosing dyslexia and developing an individualized program for overcoming severe reading problems. Observable characteristics of dyslexia are listed as an aid to the teacher's diagnosis, but it is emphasized that cooperation between the teacher and a reading specialist is of great importance in…

Although ability partly explains why some students are eager to learn in school whereas others are disinterested, motivation is another significant factor. This newsletter discusses factors that affect students' motivation to learn, considers techniques that can increase motivation, and identifies schools that have developed activities to enhance…

Presents a solution to the problem of helping high-risk students develop the mathematics skills they need. Suggests that individualized projects, providing students with hands-on learning experiences that are tied in with the real world, be employed to build student self-esteem. Appendices provide example projects. (MDH)

Many teens experience a time when keeping up with school work is difficult. Some adolescents are able to get through this time with minimal assistance from their parents or teachers. However, when the difficulties last longer than a single grading period or are linked to a long-term pattern of poor school performance, parents and teachers may need…

Argues that educators have not developed curriculum and instruction models tailored to lower-achieving students. Discusses characteristics of lower-achieving students and to teaching methods and instructional materials. Presents suggestions for making history and social studies more relevant for these students. (CFR)

Each year, many teachers face the problem of where to place children who do not fit into the rest of the class. Retention is an option that is frequently considered for these children. Children considered for retention often have poor academic skills, are small in stature or the youngest in the grade, have moved or been absent frequently, do…

This bulletin examines some questions that arise when children are not ready for promotion: Should they be retained? Who decides? Are there alternatives to retention? What is the effect of retention on the student? Despite research limitations, those who examine the studies on grade repetition say they show that grade retention does not have a…