On-time high school graduation is an important topic in educational research, policy, and practice. However, no comprehensive meta-analyses had been conducted on this topic. The current meta-analysis reviewed 47 articles published from 1985 to April 2022 and aggregated the effect in four dimensions: student background, family support, school…

Recent research in England and the United States shows most schools have a positive climate; school size, community type, and attendance level make a difference; teacher perceptions vary; student discipline and attitudes can be climate dissatisfiers; and principals make a difference. Key beliefs and values profoundly influencing faculty members…

Cites evidence that students in small high schools participate in cocurricular activities more and are less alienated than students in large schools. (JM)

Like many other people, teachers resist change out of habit, fear, and a sense that change is futile. Principals can enhance change by timing innovations appropriately, involving all those affected by the change, convincing those involved that the change is "theirs," and demonstrating serious commitment through adequate support. (PGD)

Recent research suggests that principals can improve the content and delivery of staff development programs by selecting practical topics, involving teachers in topic selection and presentation, keeping teachers' experience levels in mind, emphasizing ongoing staff development processes, avoiding lecture-based programs, and encouraging personal…

After presenting a rationale for inservice education, the author reviews some fundamental research in the subject and offers suggestions for an effective program. (Author/JM)

A review of several studies reveals factors affecting the success of teacher evaluations: frequency of observations; teacher involvement in planning and operating the process and coaching peers; definition of expectations; fairness of incentives; and suitable supervisory techniques. Teacher autonomy and the value of evaluations in personnel…

A national study of 2,000 secondary school students found that the work experiences available to teenagers have little or no effect on their tendency to delinquency, their academic learning, or their psychological well-being. Earlier studies suggest that coordinating work with education more systematically could provide social benefits. (PGD)

Reviews the range of thought concerning the extent to which the student's educational experience should be formally structured and externally imposed or informal and structurally controlled by the student. Recommends allowing students to make choices to the extent that they are comfortable and learning remains functional and effective. (PGD)

Although research has confirmed block scheduling's nonacademic benefits, effects on academic achievement are mixed. Teachers do not always replace lecturing with more effective participatory teaching methods. To work best under an intensive or alternating block schedule, schools should adapt the math curriculum to reduce course redundancy and…