This study investigated the relationship between success of an early intervention program Project Accelerated Literacy in the kindergarten year and success in second grade reading performance. The intervention was given only to students who demonstrated a literacy delay on kindergarten literacy assessments. Subjects were 283 kindergarten students…

This report describes the general features of "online learning communities," community organizations that have constructed learning delivery systems that effectively combine elements of the distance learning and traditional models of instruction. It discusses the online learning community framework and explains the four features of these…

This action research project sought to increase parental involvement to improve academic achievement in the subjects of reading and math for fourth- through sixth-grade students in two Midwestern metropolitan schools. An increased number of non-English speaking parents and working parents, a lack of parent training, and teacher resistance to…

Test-based accountability systems are now a central feature of U.S. education policy. Accountability systems are implemented as a way of improving student outcomes through new, highly visible incentives. This paper characterizes the incentives of different state accountability systems and reviews the existing evidence about outcomes. The question…

This publication offers summaries of presentations from a 2001 symposium on adult English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) research and practice. Presentations include the following: "Reading Research Synthesis" (Miriam Burt); "How Adults Learn to Read in English" (John Strucker); "Findings, Reactions to and Practitioner Implications of the 'What Works'…

A study investigated the teaching of grammar in an advanced English as a Second Language (ESL) class in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. For a week, the instructor taught the students on the topic of comparatives, superlatives, and equatives. The instructor gave a written pretest, posttest, and a delayed posttest to the whole class of 15-25 immigrants and…

This document evaluates the effectiveness of the Los Angeles Unified School District's Academic English Mastery Program, a program designed to serve students whose lack of proficiency in standard American English is an impediment to academic performance. This study used random sampling, experimental and control groups, and three principle data…

This action research project implemented and evaluated a program to motivate students to learn through multiple intelligences, cooperative learning, and positive discipline. The targeted population consisted of students in kindergarten, fourth grade, and sixth grade at two grade school and one middle school sites. Evidence of lack of motivation…

This study examined the role of teacher capacity building in the Dallas Reading Plan, a 5-year, systemic reform initiative committed to enhancing students' reading achievement, emphasizing the redesigned Reading Academy, a trainer of trainers delivery system that supported educators' knowledge acquisition. Implementation and outcome data were…

Universalizing primary education for girls and children in disadvantaged areas remains the most challenging task for developing countries in Asia and the Pacific. This evaluation report reviews the processes and outcomes of the Pilot Project on Promotion of Primary Education for Girls and Children in Disadvantaged Areas in Gansu Province, China, a…

The economic growth of the nation is dependent upon the inclusion of minority and underrepresented groups in science, engineering, mathematics, and technology-related careers. This report especially addresses those barriers encountered by Latina students preparing to enter scientific and technical careers. The paper summarizes the research…

Assesses the long-term effects of early childhood education experience on children from low-income families. Multisample secondary analyses address two general questions: Were there long-term effects of early childhood programs? and, Were programs more effective for some subgroups of the low-income population than for others? (Author/RH)

Explores the possibility that some adolescent females may feel threatened and anxious when exposed to role awareness programs that conflict with their feelings about themselves. Suggests counselors be aware of the need for student development programs and be sensitive to the reactions of students exposed to them. (JAC)

In the Philadelphia school district, in 1975-76, several educational inputs, including the basal linguistic approach, were particularly distinguishable for their contribution to growth in the reading achievement of fourth graders. The impact of pupil, principal, teacher, and instruction characteristics are examined. Regular school attendance…

Describes a pilot study intended as the basis for the Oxford Education Research Group Project which examines the values of teaching English literature, teachers' opinions toward and practices in their work, and the lack of knowledge about alternative approaches or student perceptions of the benefits received. (CK)