America can no longer afford an education system that fails to use data effectively to guide decisionmaking. The education sector is facing ever-increasing demands to improve student outcomes, reduce burden, increase efficiency, and improve transparency. These demands cannot be met without the strategic and effective use of data. Due to the…

This report is designed to help policymakers, parents, reporters, and foundation officials better understand what has been learned about voucher programs and why some key questions remain unsettled. It is based on an analysis of voucher programs in Milwaukee, Cleveland, and Florida State. Four basic questions are addressed: (1) What do we know…

Reviews research on learning style and explains why it is important for educators to become aware of this research. (FL)

This guide contains suggestions for interpreting educational research results and, indirectly, makes suggestions for research report writers. The purpose of the study and hypotheses should be stated clearly. Several approaches to reporting statistical results are outlined, and some suggestions are made for evaluating the results of…

Four specific purposes were addressed in this study: (1) to identify models of classroom management and instructional management used by effective and less effective teachers; (2) to compare and contrast these models; (3) to compare and contrast a normative model of classroom management used in management training workshops with the models…

Research findings on effective teaching are being used to identify potential "master teachers." This paper discusses six problem areas with respect to using research results in this manner. The first problem area is the question of whether the concept of "master" is necessarily implied by the concept of "effectiveness." In effect, does knowledge…

The Regional Educational Laboratory (REL) program was established more than 30 years ago, and 10 RELs have been working at school sites in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories since 1985. The labs work on regional and national education issues, applying what they learn from their own and others' research and development…

Argues that social science research provides evidence that desegregation has resulted in positive outcomes for children and society, and that it is increasingly possible to identify the conditions and practices that enhance the benefits of desegregation. Available from Duke University Press, Box 6697 College Station, Durham, NC 27708. (Author/IRT)

The Education Commission of the States conducted interviews in six school districts in five different states (California, Colorado, Iowa, Maryland, and Texas) to understand how districts can use data most effectively. These districts had used data to dramatically improve student achievement. Districts that make wise use of data have strong…

This newsletter presents a critical view of some of the perils of translating research findings into classroom practice without careful examination of the human dimensions involved. The first issue discussed is ability grouping; it is pointed out that this practice does not necessarily increase academic achievement, particularly in the lower level…

Five research studies dealing with spelling achievement in New Zealand schools have been conducted; these include dictated-word spelling tests, written language studies, and achievement data collections of 20,000 students. Several conclusions emerge from an examination of this research: spelling achievement studies should be based on samples of…

Self-efficacy theory and research contribute to self-concept theory primarily by supporting the enhancement model of belief change. This article describes current problems with self-concept theory, describes self-efficacy research, and suggests that self-efficacy theory and methodology present findings that strengthen the association between…

Research findings of the past 25 years have formed a scientific knowledge base. New research suggests that teaching for conceptual understanding and higher order application requires sustained focus on fewer topics but in greater depth. (MLF)

As Americans in the 1970s become more aware of the complexities and uncertainties surrounding social intervention, we may develop, as have ecologists, more respect for the interrelatedness of many unseen forces and more awareness of the likelihood that each well-intentioned intervention may have large and unanticipated consequences. (Author)

This publication focuses on the need for school environments conducive to teaching and learning, for parents who give positive support, and for students who are motivated to learn. The publication is based upon contemporary research into the relationship of students' interest in learning and achieving to their academic success. It presents ideas…