Since the enactment of state legislation designed to address the underrepresentation of minorities, women, and the handicapped, Illinois institutions of higher education have developed many programs to address this problem. These efforts include a range of approaches from those focusing primarily on motivating students and strengthening their…

An inventory was made of reliable characteristics of effective schools within and across contexts, including a comparison of results of effective-schools research from different nations. A five-factor model of school effectiveness is discussed, which gives the following characteristics: (1) academic goal consensus; (2) safe and orderly climate;…

The Texas Assessment of Minimum Skills (TEAMS) is a mandated criterion-referenced test administered to students in grades 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11 in Texas public schools. This report by the Austin Independent School District (AISD) contains an executive summary of TEAMS results, an analysis of performance, and attachments. Among the major findings…

Millions of low income and minority students go to high schools that are notably inferior in virtually every dimension to schools educating middle class students. During the last few decades there have been sweeping changes in state and national policy on education, moving towards more rigorous standards for high school completion and college…

This guide for college students discusses the psychological adjustments of late adolescence and skills and techniques for coping and developing interpersonal skills. The book is comprised of the following topics: caring relationships, sex ("Let's Talk about Sex" by Jacqueline Kansky), listening, self-awareness, self-esteem, criticism, confidence,…

The GO Project was created at Sacramento City College (SCC) to help underprepared students achieve success in a transfer-level sociology course, while improving their reading, writing, and study skills. Throughout the fall semester, students in the GO Project engaged in reading, essay writing, and study skills practice which focused on the…

A school system in Cape Town, South Africa, developed a program called the "Combined Magnet Class" to serve gifted pupils from standards (grades) 3-5 in one classroom. Changes to the standard curriculum were made, and a pupil-determined pace was adopted. The pupils studied English, Afrikaans, and mathematics using a syllabus, for…

This report evaluates an "effective schools" intervention project, the purpose of which was to improve achievement on proficiency tests in selected Knoxville City Schools (KCS). Six target schools, predominantly serving Knoxville's impoverished areas as identified by Chapter I and census data, were selected to work toward improving…

The student performance standards of excellence in mathematics, science, social studies, and writing for Florida schools were developed cooperatively by the Florida Department of Education, local school district personnel and representatives of institutions of higher education. These standards and skills were reviewed by teachers and supervisors…

In contrast to the European immigration to the United States, the African immigrant encountered economic, psychological, and emotional disorientation to such an extent that these effects continue to influence and mold the lives of Afro-Americans. This document explores the Afro-American immigrant experience through a study of some of the plays…

A cost benefit study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of a computer assisted instruction/computer management system (CAI/CMS) as an alternative to conventional methods of teaching reading within Chapter 1 and DPPF funded programs of the Columbus (Ohio) Public Schools. The Chapter 1 funded Compensatory Language Experiences and Reading…

Theory and research indicate that cooperative learning methods may provide a way to help limited-English-proficient (LEP) students achieve academically and develop the English language skills necessary for successful classroom functioning. The method involves small groups of two to six students in tasks that require cooperation and positive…

Ways that states can help improve the academic achievement of minority college students are recommended by the State Higher Education Executive Officers (SHEEOs) Task Force on Minority Student Achievement. Current concerns regarding minority representation in college and minority student achievement are outlined, and implications in the context of…

This review of the research on concerns associated with the use of computers in school learning environments focuses primarily on issues related to the impact of computer technology on equity, especially the reasons for differential use of computers by boys and girls and the effects of economic disparities among schools and students; differences…

Conducted to define in detail the ingredients contributing to an effective classroom assessment environment, this study explored the assessment methods actually used by classroom teachers through case study observations and teacher journals. Chapter 1 provides an overview of the report. Chapter 2 presents the findings of a review of the literature…