The design, implementation, and evaluation of a self-paced course in first-year college French are described, focusing on student choice in deciding which of four language skills (listening/speaking, writing, reading, or culture) they would concentrate on. Considered are course organization, use of assistants and student tutors, and course…

The development and administration of practical skills tests in science as part of the Second Science Study of the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement are described. Scoring and sampling for Hungary, Israel, Japan, Korea, Singapore, and the United States are reviewed. (SLD)

Examines factors associated with persistence to a second term for 796 first time, two-year college students. Demographic variables correlated with low persistence were taking nondegree courses only, enrolling part time, working full time, and being over age 40. The only academic factor related to low persistence was a first term grade point…

Investigates how the high demand for academic performance in the French school system corresponds to optimal student development. Finds the experience for students less stressful than expected. Clarifies results through analysis of students' opinions. Concludes that educational ideas and systems are heavily dependent on social context and,…

A tutorial program in English as a Second Language, in which the tutors were prospective teachers, is described and evaluated for general procedure, scheduling, teacher-student contact, use of instructional materials, oral practice, error correction strategy, and student attitudes and performance. (MSE)

Sex differences in variability in the national norms of the Differential Aptitude Tests, Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/Scholastic Aptitude Test, Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scales, and California Achievement Tests were examined. Compared to females, males were consistently more variable in quantitative reasoning, spatial visualization,…

Describes the development of a successful, specialized, collaborative training program created by the San Francisco Unified School District and San Francisco State University to produce more effective educational leaders for urban schools, thus improving student achievement and enhancing educational environments. (SM)

Opinions of 503 support services professionals in Iowa were surveyed regarding reforms in service delivery designed to integrate special and regular education programs for students with low achievement. The majority of psychologists, social workers, and special education consultants supported providing services for students without formal…

The types of resilient behaviors that lead to school competence among African-American adolescents are those that build social identity and friends and social support networks. Specific recommendations are given to promote them in the school setting through parent involvement, cultural sensitivity, and small group learning. (SLD)

Reviews research concerning the effects of retention of kindergarten and first grade students and alternatives to such retention. (BB)

The development of a computer-assisted interactive videodisc used in an introductory biology curriculum and the student evaluations of the program are discussed. The software is evaluated in terms of cost, measurable objectives, multiple opportunities for mastery, visuals and graded quizzes, and student attitude and achievement. (KR)

Questions the effectiveness of the career guidance that Soviet secondary students receive. Discusses a survey of 2,605 students that investigated students' life goals assessments of their labor training and work experiences. Argues that Soviet schools need to correlate career guidance more effectively both with development of individual student…

Describes a study of sixth and seventh grade students that investigated the effects of cooperative group composition, student ability, and learning accountability on achievement, interaction, and instructional efficiency during computer-based instruction. Pretests and posttests are described, data analysis is explained, and recommendations for…

Correlational findings based on 423 students in sixth and seventh grades indicate that prosocial and antisocial behavior are related significantly to grade point average and standardized test scores and to teachers' preferences for students and academic behavior. The role of social behavior in promoting classroom learning is discussed. (SLD)

A study at a university with strong mathematics/science curricula found that at matriculation, women and men had similar high school rank, women had lower mathematics test scores; most majored in science or engineering; women had higher undergraduate degree completion rates at four years; and grade point averages differed little. (MSE)