The chair of the National Commission on Excellence in Education describes the Commission's role, responsibilities, and agenda of public hearings on the issue of educational quality. (SK)

This article questions whether culture and climate can be considered interchangeable concepts in school effectiveness research. Hereto both are compared by describing them thoroughly and reviewing their main advantages and disadvantages. It is argued that the two are different. Preference is given to culture as more suitable and more accurate for…

The recent development of multilevel IRT models (Fox & Glas, 2001, 2003) has been shown to be very useful for analyzing relationships between observed variables on different levels containing measurement error. Model parameter estimates and their standard deviations are concurrently estimated taking account of measurement error in observed…

Based on examination of available literature, this report discusses factors that have been found to be correlated with the effectiveness of black colleges and universities. Identified among such factors are: (1) adequate financial support; (2) satisfactory living conditions and security; (3) good quality of instruction; (4) academic support and…

Argues that the nature-nurture controversy, stemming from Arthur Jensen's hereditarian analysis of group differences in measured intelligence, presupposes a false dichotomy and a conception of the environment that is too narrow. Discusses effective features of compensatory education programs, including supplemental instruction, testing,…

This report presents the text of hearings on urban education and focuses on what makes urban schools effective instruments of learning and why urban school students consistently achieve above national norms on standardized reading, writing, and mathematics tests. Specifically considered are (1) the impact of the federal government's budget cuts on…

The importance of summer instruction for children from lower socioeconomic strata (SES) is emphasized by research which shows that the gap in achievement levels between higher SES children and lower SES children that is evident during the regular school year becomes greater during the summer. An examination of summer school programs in Austin,…

Argues that the role of the assistant principal may be dysfunctional as a training ground for secondary school principals because, as presently defined, it permits assistants to learn virtually nothing about management and improving instruction. Presents an outcome-based model for preparing the assistant for a principalship. (KH)

This article outlines some of the projects and activities which exist at New Hope Elementary School (MN). Discussed are parent awareness activities, use of positive reinforcement by school personnel, a reading incentive program, the gifted and talented program, career exploration for girls, and a peer assistance program for teachers. (IAH)

Describes several successful programs for raising the achievement of disadvantaged students. Holds that since instructionally effective schools do exist, and they have known features which provide useful operational guidelines, it is possible to achieve further advances in successful pedagogy for poor children. (GC)

Recently, reports on the crisis of the American high school have appeared. Members of the National Association of College Admissions Counselors are high school guidance counselors and college admissions and financial aid officers who work directly with students and families as they move from high school to postsecondary education. As such, they…

When features of the "excellence" and "choice" movements in education are compared, these two orientations appear dissimilar. This article shows how the two can be united by broadening the definition of excellence so that all schools become schools of choice. Choice, then, becomes an ingredient in the pursuit of excellence. (VM)

Places questions about parent involvement in the following four categories: (1) coproduction or partnership, (2) decision making, (3) citizen advocacy, and (4) parent choice. Discusses these categories, identifies examples or models, and offers recommendations for action by parents, policymakers, and practitioners. (LHW)

Since 1974, the Australian Capital Territory has been using a school-based management system. Surveys of 29 schools and interviews with 38 board members identified the characteristics of more effective schools that are more accountable to their communities. (SK)

Focuses on parents' involvement with schools through the education of their own child's home learning activities. Also discusses other forms of involvement such as volunteering and sitting on advisory boards. Home-school collaboration to improve home learning environment is connected to elementary school-age student achievement. (LHW)