This study explores the extent to which differences in research design explain variation in Head Start program impacts. We employ meta-analytic techniques to predict effect sizes for cognitive and achievement outcomes as a function of the type and rigor of research design, quality and type of outcome measure, activity level of control group, and…

To design an effective computer science curriculum, educators require a systematic method of classifying the difficulty level of learning activities and assessment tasks. This is important for curriculum design and implementation and for communication between educators. Different educators must be able to use the method consistently, so that…

Brain Gym[R] (BG; BGI, 2008) is a popular commercial program sold by Brain Gym[R] International (BGI). Making extravagant claims for improved intellectual and physical development, it is used in more than 80 countries. While BGI's claims are persuasive, to date there is little empirical evidence validating the approach. We examine some theoretical…

This article reviews studies evaluating the effectiveness of two types of early intervention programmes for babies with Down's syndrome (DS). Evaluation of self-help early intervention programmes was done with two types of training with the parents: in the first the parents learned the training programme from observing the clinician, and in the…

Significant life experience research suggests that outdoor experiences foster proenvironmental outcomes. Time spent outdoors is more frequently identified as the source of proenvironmental behavior than is education, suggesting that cognition may be less important than affect. Yet, environmental education field programs are often evaluated on…

This is the full report, and a separate research brief also was published. Austin Independent School District (AISD) served 5,450 pre-K students in 2009-2010. Approximately 70% of sampled English-speaking pre-K students and 74% of sampled Spanish-speaking pre-K students had faster than the expected growth rate on an assessment of receptive…

An ongoing, structured, low-intensity exercise program designed to foster physical, social, and cognitive functioning was evaluated in 128 seniors ranging in age from 55 to 101 years. The program appeared to be providing an opportunity for social interaction among participants, and the exercises appeared to be mentally stimulating. (Author/CT)

Gains in health knowledge can vary greatly depending on the type of elementary school health education curriculum employed. (JD)

Examination of data from the Infant Health and Development Program, a comprehensive program to avert health and intellectual impairments associated with premature low birthweight, does not show any enduring and meaningful effects on cognitive development resulting from the program. Discusses findings in terms of intelligence and its mutability.…

An overview of evaluation research on the effects of center-based Head Start, home-based intervention programs for infants and toddlers, and Follow Through is presented. (JD)

This evaluation report describes Project P.R.O.B.E., a bilingual education program for four and five year old Spanish speaking children in two Bronx, New York schools. The educational objectives of the program, including the improvement of reading and other curriculum skills, are outlined. Also described are staffing patterns, orientation and…

The efficacy of a six-week training program for teaching 20 educable mentally retarded elementary children the language skills prerequisite to distinguishing between the relevant and irrelevant features of a task was evaluated. (Author/CL)

The paper describes Project ADVANCE, a Behavior Management System which addressed the behavioral adjustment, academic performance, and vocational development needs of 44 emotionally disturbed students (between the ages of 14 and 20) in Salem County, New Jersey. Section I provides an introduction with information on project goals, the significance…

The study investigated the outcomes of two intervention programs for 60 male juvenile offenders (aged 13-17 years). Group I (30 Ss) were placed at a correctional camp facility modeled after the Outward Bound program, which incorporates a particular treatment concept designed to increase self esteem. Group II participants (30 Ss) were placed on…

Early evidence from an evaluation of the Child and Family Resource Program (a Head Start demonstration) suggests that this program influences parent-child interaction in ways that promote children's social and cognitive development. (Author)