Explains and analyzes open-enrollment plans, current open-enrollment legislation, and the Omaha (Nebraska) School District's attempt to balance goals of integration and open enrollment. Provides recommendations for educational and legislative reform in the area of public school choice. (198 references) (MLF)

In 1987, Toronto Board of Education mandated the development of standards, called "benchmarks," for students' achievement in mathematics and language at the end of grades 3, 6, 8, and 10. The development and testing of benchmarks stressing higher-order thinking, problem solving, and the use of experiential approaches and manipulative…

Reviews five goals currently on the national agenda--math reform, increasing the high school graduation rate, literacy, science reform, and early childhood intervention--and provides an example of how a specific school is using technology to address each one of these goals. Sidebars describe several additional special programs involving…

Results in 487 reports were integrated by meta-analysis to study characteristics of problem solvers, conditions for harder and easier problems, effects of different instructional methods on problem-solving performance, and effects of classroom-related conditions on problem-solving performance. Problem solving related positively to measures of…

Examines the ways in which school-level policies and procedures influence students' probabilities of being placed in the accelerated track in mathematics in middle school and high school. Data from interviews with 52 school administrators show that substantial variations exist among districts in student opportunities for the accelerated…

Examines trends in the educational achievement of African Americans at secondary and postsecondary levels using data from various national surveys. Barriers to educational achievement are described, and intervention strategies for improving African-American success in higher education are reviewed. Increasing minority participation will require…

Reports a study to examine careless errors fifth-grade students (n=58) make while solving mathematical word problems and explores the type of student who frequently makes such errors. Results indicated that frequency of these errors was significantly related to the noncognitive variables of the study. Discusses implications for remediation. (20…

Recent empirical research has identified significant advantages for interactive video instruction over traditional teaching methods in "soft skill" (humanities and social sciences) areas, including cognitive achievement, transfer of learning to performance, learning motivation, student achievement across uncontrolled student characteristics, user…

Examines the potential role for Computer Algebra Systems (CAS) when teaching courses as functions, calculus, and linear algebra to students with low prerequisite algebra skills. A study reports the rationale, planning, and implementation of a functions course integrating Maple CAS into instruction. (MDH)

Examines characteristics of successful book-reading programs for low-income African-American children and parents to encourage literacy. The paper focuses on the Parents as Partners in Reading program which encouraged and guided parents in specific, appropriate ways to assist in their children's development and learning. (SM)

Describes the Middle College High School (MCHS) at Seattle (Washington) Central Community College, a public schools cooperative venture among the school system, community college, Seattle Housing Authority, and corporate sponsor. The MCHS enrolls students at risk of dropping out and boasts an impressive effort in retaining and educating these…

The extent and impact of racial and ethnic segregation in California high schools in the 1988-89 school year are examined, using data on 896 high schools and 198,127 twelfth-grade students. Racial segregation and ethnic segregation are widespread. Segregation can lead to achievement differences across schools and among ethnic groups. (SLD)

High ability, average, and learning-disabled children in grades 4 and 7 were assessed on achievement, ability, perceived competence in cognitive ability, self-concept, and locus of control. Results indicated significant group differences on achievement and affective measures which were relatively stable and unaffected by cognitive strategies…

Attributes the relatively high dropout rate among Welsh secondary school students to the educational processes within the comprehensive schools. Advocates extensive research into the nature of Welsh education and problems stemming from historical, socioeconomic, and political factors. Encourages policy formation that reflects Welsh rather than…

Argues that deficit/deficiency explanations of minority groups' poor academic performance and attrition at higher education levels are untenable. A cultural difference perspective suggests practical means to identify solutions to these phenomena. College faculty must assume responsibility for adapting instructional and counseling services to…