This study examined whether the efficacy of ROOTS, a 50-lesson mathematics intervention program focused on whole number concepts for at-risk kindergarten students, differed by group size and whether initial skill moderated intervention effects by group size. The study utilized a randomized block design with at-risk students (n = 1,251) within…

Despite the accumulated evidence that retention is an ineffective and potentially harmful remedial strategy, several countries struggle with high levels of retention in compulsory schooling. This article provides evidence of the impact of the Portuguese national educational policy "Programa Mais Sucesso Escolar" (PMSE) using class size,…

The quality of classroom interactions has typically been studied using aggregates of ratings over time. However, within-day ratings may contain important variability. This study investigated within-day variability using the NICHD Study of Early Childcare and Youth Development's observational data during grades 3 and 5. The first question examined…

In the present study, we present analyzed profiles of observed classroom experiences in terms of emotional and instructional dimensions of quality. Over 800 first-grade classrooms across the United States were included, selected by virtue of having a student participating in the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development's Study of…

A contextual approach to understanding class size reduction includes attention to both educational inputs and processes. Based on our study of a class size reduction program in Wisconsin we explore the following question: How do class size reduction and classroom quality interact to produce learning opportunities in early elementary classrooms? To…

Given that previous findings on the social distribution of the effects of small classes have been mixed and inconclusive, in the present study I attempted to shed light on the mechanism through which small classes affect the achievement of low- and high-achieving students. I used data from a 4-year, large-scale, randomized experiment (project…

Examines effects of Indiana's project PRIME TIME on reading and math achievement test scores of second graders who completed 2 years of the reduced-class-size program. Analysis of 3,967 test scores suggests that students in small classes had higher test scores than did students in large classes. (RJC)

Reports results of a study of 274 4-year-olds in 17 half-day nursery classrooms, which examined: (1) the relationship between class size and individualization; (2) the influence of space on children's involvement in activities; and (3) the impact of various activity areas on children's and teacher's behavior. (ED)

Observations of 780 third-grade classrooms described classroom activities, child-teacher interactions, and dimensions of the global classroom environment, which were examined in relation to structural aspects of the classroom and child behavior. 1 child per classroom was targeted for observation in relation to classroom quality and teacher and…

Compared instructional variables for first through sixth grade special education students who received instruction under different student-teacher ratios. There were significant differences in measures of qualitative and quantitative aspects of instruction, with nearly all favoring lower student-teacher ratios. (BB)

Observed 223 public school kindergarten classrooms to describe classroom activities and child-teacher interactions. Also observed global classroom quality. Found, among other observations, that the most frequently observed forms of activity were structured, teacher-directed activities and whole-group instruction. Findings pose implications for…

Surveyed students and parents from 122 public elementary schools to examine relations among school characteristics, parent involvement, and parent perceptions. Found that specific characteristics were associated with higher and lower parent participation at the individual level and at the school level. (LPP)

Proposes an index of school performance to assess progress in meeting goals of academic achievement, equity of educational outcomes, citizenship, social ethics, and health. Details relative weights: core academic outcomes, 40 percent; citizenship, health, teamwork, and social ethics, 25 percent; school completion, teacher qualifications, and…