Reviews research studies which deal with the relationship between the time students spend engaged in learning and their subsequent achievement performance, and examines the emerging implications of these studies for the classroom teacher. (MP)

The relevance of homework in today's schools is explored in this bulletin. Following the introduction, chapter 1 examines the effect of homework on academic achievement and concludes that there is a lack of agreement on the benefits of homework and on the amount of time students should spend on it. Chapter 2 describes homework practices in some…

Classroom variables associated with academic learning time (ALT)--instructional time, on-task behavior, and student success rate--are positively related to student achievement. Guidelines and forms are provided for teachers and supervisors to gather objective and usable information on these ALT components through direct classroom observation…

To make sure students' time in school is used efficiently and advantageously, some simple ways to improve time use are suggested. It is important to assess time use to ensure that a school schedules enough time for basics, is using learning time and teaching time well, and is not duplicating subject matter. (MD)

A review of research relating to academic engaged time from the perspective of the special services provider indicated that academic engaged time is related to student achievement, and recommended that teachers provide greater supervision and monitoring, limit disruptions, provide feedback, use the direct instruction model, and encourage student…

After reviewing effective teaching research during the past 20 years, one basic question arises: do teachers make any difference? Specifically, do teachers' classroom practices have any effect on student outcomes beyond the effects of ability and home background? What knowledge of minimal teaching competencies has been gained, and how firm is the…

This publication highlights resources that can increase educators' awareness of, and skill in, monitoring students' progress. The listed resources include: (1) computer search printouts of abstracts from ERIC educational journals and documents; (2) copies and summaries of excerpts from recent literature on monitoring students; (3) listings of…

The purpose of this booklet is to relate significant research pertaining to student achievement. Each section defines one of eight research-based variables associated with greater academic achievement and includes some practical applications within school settings. According to the first two sections, high principal and teacher expectations are…

Research-based answers are offered to the following questions on instructional time: (1) Can student achievement be improved by making time to teach? (2) What can a classroom teacher do to make time to teach? and (3) How can a school or district help the teacher? Factors related to instructional time which are described as having an effect on…

School board members can use board policies to set the direction for effective instructional management. Effective schools appear to have these characteristics in common: (1) strong instructional leadership by the principal, (2) a safe and orderly atmosphere, (3) high expectations of all students, (4) schoolwide emphasis on basic skills…

This handbook provides guidelines for enhancing the use of time in secondary and postsecondary vocational-technical classes. It is intended to guide teachers, administrators, supervisors, inservice coordinators, and teacher educators through conducting time-use analysis. It is part of BASICS, a package of integrated materials developed to assist…

In 1994, the National Education Commission on Time and Learning (NECTL) published "Prisoners of Time," an eye-opening study into how much schools are governed by the clock and calendar, and how families, administrators, and teachers are subsequently affected. This report expands and updates the 1994 report, adding informative questions and answers…

A hypothetical case study is presented to show how a teacher might incorporate choice-making opportunities for a student with emotional and behavioral disorders who is failing math. Practical strategies are suggested that special and general educators may use in their academic curricula to encourage students to make appropriate choices. (Contains…

In a survey of 1,500 administrators, most of the 400 respondents agreed by an 8 to 1 margin that reforms to raise academic standards in public schools are necessary. In high schools, a decline in reading, vocabulary, and math skills is due basically to a decreased academic emphasis. Solutions include more required courses, more opportunities for…

This review of the literature highlights research-based ways to improve schools and classrooms. Emphasis is on student time-on-task, effective teacher behaviors, and positive teacher supervision. (JM)