Presented is the fourth in a series of formative evaluation reports on "Me and My Environment", a 3-year environmental sciences program for 13- to 16-year-old educable mentally handicapped (EMH) children. The rationale and standards for monitoring instructional effectiveness are explained, and student performance is reported on field tests of…

The study focused on information that would determine the relative effectiveness and costs of presenting career information to elementary students via strategies utilizing microform and hardcopy. The elementary INFOE (Information Needed for Occupational Education) component was selected for use in the study with the career information presentation…

The Religion in Elementary Social Studies Project (RESS) at Florida State University provides an opportunity for determining the effectiveness of an innovative curriculum in religious study. The project stresses objectives dealing with sensitivity, empathy, and tolerance as well as information about religions. Two second grade level classrooms at…

Theoretically, a number of demographic, personality, attitudinal, cognitive, and performance variables were selected for examining television performance effectiveness. The experiment, conducted within the workshop context, was replicated in 1965 with a total of 62 participants. Each year subjects were placed into three random groups, stratified…

This study compares three methods of intervention conducted over 2 1/2 years to promote cognitive development and competency of disadvantaged young children. Subjects were about 80 black mother-child-younger sibling triads, divided into three groups (and matched with comparison groups): (1) Maximum Impact, a training program for the target child…

A study was conducted to determine the association between county Extension agent effectiveness in conducting a dairy educational program and agent knowledge in dairying and related subjects. A secondary purpose was to determine the association of agent effectiveness scores and knowledge scores with selected independent variables classified in…

Fifteen studies comparing various educational outcomes of problem-based, community-oriented medical curricula with those of conventional programs are reviewed. The problems inherent in comparative research at the curriculum level are discussed. (MSE)

School-based training programs for personal and social coping skills have shown evidence of effectiveness in primary prevention of substance abuse. Early intervention programs for students most at risk are also needed, such as peer intervention, student assistance, and behavioral self-management programs in the areas of smoking and alcohol/drug…

After adjusting for different background characteristics of students, effects on test scores were related to the length and type of test coaching programs offered. The data suggest that the test item types in the Graduate Record Examination General Test appear to show little susceptibility to formal coaching experiences. (Author/DWH)

Describes a one-semester conversational language course based on specific proficiency goals. The oral proficiency pre- and posttests, goal contracts outlining performance objectives for each chapter of the text, specific instructional and grading techniques, and class activities are detailed. (MSE)

This monograph addresses key issues in the current discussion between accreditation and the federal government relative to accountability and higher education. The reauthorization of the Higher Education Act (HEA) now being discussed in Congress is driving this issue to the top of the academic agenda. The paper describes some of the accountability…

The first few years of teaching are the most challenging. During these years, teachers are most likely to become discouraged and disillusioned. Yet these early years are also the time when teachers establish practices that last throughout their careers. This book focuses on new teachers' needs while emphasizing high-quality teaching through the…

The Program for International Student Assessment 2000 (PISA) is an International Examination that was developed by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) to assess the reading, mathematics, and science literacy of students in participating countries, including the United States. PISA is a two-hour paper-and-pencil…

This report summarizes the state of knowledge about children and youth with disabilities at risk of delinquency or already involved with the juvenile justice system. It reviews the existing research as well as perspectives of service providers, administrators, policy makers, and advocates. Following an executive summary and introductory chapter,…

The School Improvement Specialist Project prepared seven modules. School improvement specialists, as defined by the Appalachia Educational Laboratory at Edvantia, are change agents who work with schools to help them improve in the following areas so as to increase student achievement. These modules are intended to provide training materials for…