This report explores teachers' and administrators' perceptions of social and emotional learning (SEL) in AISD. Based on analysis of responses to the 2019 Employee Coordinated Survey and the 2018-2019 Teaching, Empowering, Leading, and Learning (TELL) Survey, this report indicates significant positive correlations between staff's SEL knowledge and…

Today's grading practices mirror those of the early 1900s, and despite myriad research suggesting they are invalid, unreliable, and a hindrance to student learning, many teachers continue detrimental practices such as using 100-point percentage scales averaging all academic and nonacademic factors together into a single grade, and using grades to…

This report summarizes district-level results of the 2015 Teaching, Empowering, Leading, and Learning (TELL) AISD Survey. A separate one-page research brief also was published. [For the brief, see ED626501.]

Research for Action (RFA) has completed its second year of a five-year external evaluation of the Project Leadership and Investment for Transformation (LIFT) Initiative in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School District (CMS). Project LIFT is a public-private partnership between CMS and the local philanthropic and business communities in Charlotte,…

The frequent use of student self-report surveys in higher education calls into question the possibility of social desirability having an unwanted influence on responses. This research explores the potential presence of social desirability bias with the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE), a widely used assessment of student behaviors.…

School shootings have been in the news of late. People ponder what occurs in classrooms today. Why would a young person wish to take a life? Within educational institutions, the killings are a concern. In our dire attempt to teach the children and ensure student success, it seems many of our offspring are lost. Some students feel separate from…

Since 2004, AISD has conducted an annual survey to monitor campus staff's perceptions of their school environment. The survey measures elements of teaching and learning conditions most critical to school success.

Each year, AISD uses a survey to measure campus staff perceptions of their work environment. This district report shows longitudinal trends in campus climate from 2007-2008 through 2009-2010.

While not representative of all students, those who demonstrate a sense of entitlement demand a great deal of instructors' time and energy. Our article places student entitlement in its social context, with specific attention to the prevalence of the consumer mentality, grade inflation, and the self-esteem of the student generation. We then…

This precis focuses on research into the problem of school discipline. The school culture, or the atmosphere and tone of everything that happens in the school, is seen as having a significant influence on student behavior. Several examples of improving the culture of schools are given. Strategies for correcting misconduct are suggested, with…

This handbook provides step-by-step strategies for administrators, teachers, policymakers, and parents who want to change from providing costly special learning programs for a few students to providing excellent educational services for all students--whether those student needs are a result of a physical or learning disability, race, or ethnicity.…

An emerging consensus exists in the school reform literature about what conditions contribute to student success. Conditions include high standards for academic learning and conduct, meaningful and engaging pedagogy and curriculum, professional learning communities among staff, and personalized learning environments. Schools providing such…

This appendix accompanies "Gaining Ground in the Middle Grades: Why Some Schools Do Better. A Large-Scale Study of Middle Grades Practices and Student Outcomes. Initial Research Report." This appendix focuses on the findings and domain comparisons of the study. This appendix contains the following: (1) Decision Rules; (2) Full Set of…

This study investigated the effects of schools' academic and disciplinary climates on student disengagement and dropping out, noting whether these effects varied by race/ethnic group. Data came from the High School Effectiveness Study (HSES), which allows contextual analysis of urban youth in their high schools, and the Common Core of Data, from…

Most effective schools share a number of key characteristics, including clear-cut goals and objectives, adequate funding and financial management, quality academic programs, valid assessment programs, parent and family involvement, teacher and staff development, high expectations for students, community involvement, comprehensive support services,…