By aligning factors that most commonly influence the achievement of Black and Hispanic students with the type of resources inside the black box of schooling, this study differentiated the achievement effect of school resources from what was brought by students to schools. The hierarchical regression results showed that minority students'…

The perceived obstacles to the effective teaching of composition skills are inadequate teacher preparation; lack of support from teachers in other disciplines; indifference from administrators in charge; large class size; and poor student preparation in grammar, sentence sense, and reading. (Author)

Describes results of a study of the effects of declining enrollment on 200 high schools in the North Central Association, and then lists some positive and negative effects of declining enrollment. (JM)

Lists the strengths and weaknesses of small schools and then makes recommendations for capitalizing on their strengths and compensating for their weaknesses. (JM)

Clearly, class-size reduction has become a public-relations issue that educational leaders can use as an opportunity to communicate and gain support for all school reforms. Implications for principals include keeping the school community informed, involving teachers, knowing relevant research, and using creative class-size reduction methods.…

A study was conducted at two metropolitan South Florida high schools to determine perceptions of 100 teachers concerning block scheduling. Teachers felt that the 4 X 4 block schedule contained too many time gaps for teaching foreign languages, English, and math. Teachers believed block schedules benefitted advanced students more than others and…

Reviews benefits of smaller class size based on research in elementary and middle schools such as higher student achievement. Concludes that high school students can also benefit from smaller classes. Calls for rigorous class-size research at the high school level. (Contains 41 references.) (PKP)

Explains pros and cons of whole-group instruction and ability grouping, based on research evidence. Whole-group instruction is convenient for teaching the same skills or subject to a class, making assignments, administering tests, setting group expectations, and making announcements. Critics contend that whole-group instruction fails to meet…

Examines some disturbing tendencies in curriculum content and descion-making. Argues that a rigorous, neoconservative back-to-basics program, coupled with use of corporate school management models, is not the answer. Excessive standardization could increase the dropout rate and cause the deskilling of teachers. Societal influences need to be…

Previews the findings of "A Study of High Schools," cosponsored by the National Association of Secondary School Principals and the Commission on Educational Issues. Offers overall impressions of field visits to high schools and suggests eight principles by which high schools should be restructured. (JW)

Many middle schools use teaming or other models to create smaller teaching and learning units. Too often, schools align these models with characteristics advocated in the literature, rather than focusing on collaborative work environments' effects on teachers' and students' lives. These structures' true value lies in the collaborative work…

Follow-up study of 16 Indiana high schools disclosed that 10 years of discussion and practice yielded little progress. Modest gains included microscopically better new teacher training, slightly reduced class size, and more administrative support. Teachers in other disciplines remained indifferent to student writing problems and equally resistant…

High school improvement is possible with visionary leadership and common goals. Ayer (Massachusetts) High School is a small, comprehensive school that has restructured itself to meet 21st century needs. Revolutionary changes have occurred in instructional improvement, core curriculum, technology education, class size, graduation requirements,…

Despite a lack of support for the teaching of writing as a process that requires much practice, administrators must support teachers in this proved method of teaching writing skills. (Author/JM)

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…