The research reviewed in this report suggests that some of the contentions about schools, districts, and communities in rural areas are mistaken. Many of the issues they face also confront urban and suburban educators, and rural communities offer several distinctive educational advantages. A lack of student motivation to learn is a problem often…

Responds to Bill Barber's recent article refuting the author's conclusions concerning the beneficial effects of homework on student achievement. Asserts that the amount, frequency, nature, conditions, and other characteristics of homework must be studied, not just homework versus none at all. Homework is one of many factors contributing to…

In this introduction to the applicaton of meta-analysis as a quantitative synthesis technique, several alternative approaches to research synthesis are described. Their advantages and disadvantages, as compared to those of the techniques of meta-analysis. Decisions that must be faced by the prospective user of meta-analysis are described.…

Traces the development of accountability movement since publication of "A Nation at Risk." Suggests that accountability has failed to improve public education because standards underlying accountability adopted by most states are too weak to be effective. Describes framework for effective standards. Lauds accountability requirements in…

Reviews the nine factors contributing to educational productivity, the effectiveness of instructional techniques (mastery learning ranks high and Skinnerian reinforcement has the largest overall effect), and the effects of psychological enviroments on learning. Includes references and a table. (MD)

The trend toward bigger schools has been accompanied by a huge increase in overall youth misconduct, as measured by homicides, suicides, and arrest rates, and by declining achievement test scores. Students in smaller schools have fewer, but more intense and enduring relationships with adults in their school life. Modest ameliorative proposals are…

Criticizes Robert Slavin for failing to recognize the author's proper role in evaluating numerous popular learning interventions, including mastery learning. Slavin's claim of "remarkable progress" with Success for All is unjustified, considering the unsubstantiated evidence given in his single unpublished study. Includes two references.…

Academically successful schools need to master student discipline and accept that character development is as important as academic development. Provides recommendations on how schools can do both. (MD)

Chicago's businessmen propose six recommendations related to evaluation, research, administration, curriculum planning, and career education to establish accountability and improve the quality of Chicago Public Schools. (DW)

The education reform movement has been spurred by statistics showing United States student achievement test scores rank below those of 14 other developed countries. To raise student achievement, educators are referred to the educational research summarized in the report "What Works." Includes a listing of 41 recommendations from that…

The author discusses how cooperative partnerships between school and parents promote student achievement and have the potential to help resolve the crisis in educational productivity. (MD)

The overall effects of cues, participation, and corrective feedback on classroom learning are estimated. The constancy of effects of these instructional qualities were explored across characteristics of students, and educational and contextual conditions. The results confirm the Dollard-Miller-Carroll-Bloom theory that has evolved during the past…

Three sets of factors that are strongly and consistently productive of academic learning are student ability and motivation, amount and quality of instruction as well as the social-psychological morale of the classroom group, and the educationally stimulating qualities of the home environment. (Author/MLF)

The first of 10 papers providing a state of the art of research synthesis in special education, the introduction/overview stresses the importance of applying scientific techniques and standards to the evaluation and summarization of substantive research findings. (DB)

A synthesis of 15 empirical studies shows that homework consistently benefits elementary and secondary students' achievement and attitudes, especially if it is commented upon or graded. (MCG)