Three sets of factors that are strongly and consistently productive of academic learning are student ability and motivation, amount and quality of instruction as well as the social-psychological morale of the classroom group, and the educationally stimulating qualities of the home environment. (Author/MLF)

Research findings reinforce the relevance to pupil performance of the institutional elements of leadership, expectations, and atmosphere. (Author/MLF)

Describes Chicago magnet school's use of seminar discussion and classroom dialogue to nurture students' active engagement in the learning process. Draws on experience at a public magnet school in Chicago with a student population that is largely poor and minority. (Contains 10 references.) (PKP)