A study of 11 Wisconsin elementary schools determined: (1) how much whole group time occurred in each grade level within all the schools; (2) the impact of pullouts (students withdrawn from their self-contained classrooms) on whole group instructional time; and (3) areas of the curriculum most affected by pullouts. (MLF)

Observations of student behavior in the elementary and secondary classrooms of Ohio's Otsego Local School District revealed significant differences in the kinds and quantities of off-task behaviors among students at different grade levels, and may help educators develop methods for increasing learning time. The observation instrument is included.…

Even though many European and Japanese students spend as many as 8 hours daily and 220 days yearly in the classroom, 661 American superintendents believe the present U.S. average--6 hours and 180 days--to be adequate, raising questions about their potential support in changing the system. (KS)

A comparison of the effects of full- and half-day kindergarten programs in Southern California provides evidence that longer programs promote skill and knowledge acquisition, enhance students' self-confidence and cooperation, help convince the community of the district's intent to strengthen elementary schools, and may encourage increased…