An independent statewide study of 4,735 elementary schools, conducted after three years of the Early Childhood Education Program (ECE) in California, indicates that ECE schools have lower reading scores in grades 2 and 3 when compared to non-ECE schools. Five potential causes for this discrepancy are discussed. (CP)

The study sampled 145 elementary school handicapped children in order to compare a mainstreamed and self-contained special education program in a large urban school district. (Author/PHR)

Proposes five measurable indicators to assess effectiveness of young adult library services program: proportion of eligible young adults served; success rate in using library; appropriateness of collection; proportion of young adults participating in library programs; and proportion of cross-age programs held involving adolescents. Twenty-seven…

This action research project implemented and evaluated a program for establishing organizational skills, utilizing routines and tools that maximize school success. The targeted population consisted of students in four kindergarten classes in a primary school and three third-grade classes in an intermediate school. Analysis of probable cause data…

The effects of immediate feedback provided through a wireless headphone FM transmission system were compared to the effects of delayed feedback on inappropriate verbalizations of a 10-year-old with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Results indicate that inappropriate verbalizations decreased during both conditions, although the decrease…

A study examined the effectiveness of an instruction-support team (IST) process to provide prereferral assessment and intervention for 492 at-risk students in Pennsylvania. Results indicated that students supported by IST had greater levels of academic performance only when their schools implemented the IST process to a high degree. (Author/CR)

Meta-analysis was used to review 56 programs designed to promote family wellness and prevent child maltreatment to determine program effectiveness and identify positive factors. Intensive family preservation programs with high levels of participant involvement, an empowerment/strengths-based approach, and a component of social support had higher…

This article examines the role of school climate in guiding programs designed to reduce academic failure and antisocial behavior among students defined as "at risk". Suggestions are offered for improving such educational programs in a manner consistent with research on school climate and effective schools. (Contains references.) (Author/CR)

This article offers a way to build accountability by utilizing outcome relevant information along with outcomes to ensure relevance of evaluation results. It describes a process that incorporates use of logic models for comparing child, family, and community context for the program, the service delivery strategies, and expected outcomes. (Contains…

Draws together the results of seven studies that investigated factors influencing the effects of service quality in community-based residential services for people with severe mental retardation. Results found that quality of staff and resident activity is dependent on an interaction between the structure, orientation, and procedures followed…

A review of 913 studies involving students with learning disabilities found treatment outcomes were significantly affected by the following violations: teacher effects, establishing criterion levels of instructional performance, reliance on experimental measures, using different pretest and posttest measures, using a sample heterogeneous in age,…

Human performance technology (HPT) models are compared. One model groups performance factors by their relation to the performer (internal or external). A second model categorizes factors by which organizational level has the most control over them (executive, managerial, or individual). A third model considers rational and emotional intelligences;…

Two studies examined nutritional differences between home breakfasts and breakfasts served at preschool following School Breakfast Program guidelines and evaluated nutritional impact of program participation on 4-year olds' preacademic performance. Results indicated that breakfast intake was altered under school breakfast conditions. Performance…

This study aimed at analyzing complex relationships among Internet use, Internet users, and conceptual understanding of the Internet. It used path models to examine factors related to Internet use (duration of Internet use, frequency of Internet use, and informal Internet classes) and Internet users (age and gender) in affecting understanding of…

This report explores the infrastructure problem at the district level. Then a prototype is offered to stimulate discussion of changes that are essential to the development of a comprehensive system of learning supports at every school. The report also briefly highlights infrastructure frameworks for schools and school complexes formulated and…