Background/Context: Prior research has investigated the literacy achievement gap with particular focus on ethnically and linguistically diverse students' performance. This study extends that research by examining the relationships among classroom instructional practices, school priorities, and district policies in higher performing schools.…

This paper reports on a Missouri study that compared block scheduling to traditional schedules in small high schools (schools with fewer than 500 students in grades 9 to 12). The study focused on small-school administrator and teacher perceptions of the effects of block scheduling on student achievement, school climate, and teacher methodology.…

Many postsecondary institutions utilize learning communities to increase social engagement and attachment to the college community. In recent years, these communities have proliferated as part of a trend fueled by low retention and persistence rates, increasing reluctance of 4-year institutions to provide remedial education, and pressure on…

This paper examines the implementation of an alternate block (A/B) schedule in three high schools in Irving, Texas. The purpose is to review how time was used in 48 randomly selected high school Algebra 1, Biology 1, English 2, and U.S. History classes. Of the 48 classes, 12 observations were conducted for each course. The findings revealed a…

Summarizes the results of a study concerning the efficacy of block scheduling for music programs. High school band directors in Michigan, Indiana, and Kentucky responded to questionnaires. Results were mixed, although most directors agreed that scheduling works best when music teachers and administrators work together to individualize a schedule.…

A survey of all 635 public high schools in Illinois examined types of scheduling models used (daily period schedules, block schedules, modular/flexible scheduling, or combination models); statewide trends in scheduling; and principals' reasons for adopting scheduling changes. Only 27% of schools were incorporating block-scheduling components.…

Researchers designed and piloted a questionnaire that measures the level of implementation of exemplary middle school practices (based on the work of P. George and W. Alexander, 1993) using Rasch measurement theory. Assistant principals (n=26) participated in telephone interviews by responding to a 27-item questionnaire that contains items…

This book provides an array of strategies that can help teachers, administrators, and staff-development personnel as they plan, develop, and deliver content within extended periods of instructional time. It emphasizes the importance of teachers and administrators working together to improve instruction and contends that staff development remains…

Presents a planning model that serves as a guide for social studies teachers using block scheduling, but is appropriate for any time format. Explains that the model consists of four topics describing each in detail: (1) content selection; (2) instructional strategies; (3) assessment; and (4) higher-order thinking skills. (CMK)

By this study, as by several it has issued in the past few years the Office of Education recognizes the interest of many educators in the core program as a means of achieving some of the objectives of general education at the secondary level. Its first publication, Bulletin 1950, No. 5 entitled "Core Curriculum in Public High Schools," a study of…

Identifies and assesses various nontraditional approaches to business education in high school, university, and graduate school. "Block Scheduling: Considerations for Business Education" (Gloria Jean Smith, Douglas C. Smith) describes ways to maximize learning for high school students by restructuring class time. "Distance Learning: Challenges and…

The following are among the 51 papers and 7 poster sessions included: "Agriculture in the Classroom" (Hillison); "Effects of an Elementary Agri-Science Program on Student Perceptions of and Performance in Agriculture and Science" (Howell); "Current Status of Preservice Teacher Education Programs in Agriculture" (Swortzel); "Problems and Challenges…

This proceedings includes the following papers: "Multimedia Case Studies--Business Reality for Students" (Agneberg); "Interactive Development and Design--A Business Approach" (Agneberg); "Ethics Instruction for Workforce Development" (Arnold); "Career Development Focus in Lincoln County" (Beam);…

Junior and junior-senior high schools enroll a large proportion of our early adolescent population. The programs they provide, the services they offer, their administrative practices, and the character of their staffs have far-reaching effects. These programs, services, practices, and staff characteristics constitute the scope of the present…

The following papers are included: "Research and Teaching from the Web/Multimedia" (Swan); "Vocational Teachers' Attitude toward, Knowledge of, and Use of National Skill Standards" (Belcher, McCaslin); "Predicting the Leadership Effectiveness of Vocational Education Administrators" (Daughtry, Finch); "Coping…