Examines the usefulness of accountability measures for student achievement as empowerment tools for all students, providing examples from Native American schools. The paper posits the need for understanding current standardized testing, demonstrates how content currently tested can help increase the utility of instructional programs, and advocates…

Examines the relative effectiveness of two different chemistry curricula. African American students enrolled in an inner-city high school who took ChemCom, a Science-Technology-Society-based science curriculum employing cooperative learning as an integral component, scored significantly higher gains on a standardized measure of chemistry…

Describes a geography literacy quiz project developed by the Geography Club at California State University (Fresno). Reports that poor quiz results sparked interest in developing programs to ensure geographic literacy. Comments on a program at Dos Palos (California) High School that will require geography proficiency examinations for graduation by…

Reports on a multivariate study that examined the contribution of two independent variables--cognitive/academic proficiency in first language and attitudes and motivation toward English as a foreign language--on success in English as a foreign language in culturally different learners. (27 references) (Author/OD)

A review of literature on declining Black student achievement attributes the problem to a hostile campus environment, competition with military service, reduced student aid, changes in Black males, poor preparation, choice of work over education, family deterioration, drug use, negative attitudes and behavior, and lack of Black leadership. (MSE)

Home school families in Washington were surveyed, and achievement test scores were analyzed to determine the following: (1) characteristics of home school families; (2) previous schooling and reasons for home schooling; and (3) effects of selected variables on student outcomes. (BJV)

Barriers to minority group student success in medical education are outlined, including inadequate preparation in science and mathematics, inadequate advising, nonsupportive faculty, lack of minority mentors and role models, costs, and inadequate information about academic and financial aid options. (MSE)

Provides of examples of performance-based assessments in three categories: (1) projects; (2) performances; and (3) question strategy sessions. Describes a typical performance-based assessment project including setting up the project, peer evaluation, the class presentation, and the test used. (CFR)

Contends that a range of theories exists in the social science literature about the effects of family processes on the social and academic success of a family's offspring. Identifies major theoretical perspectives that have dominated the literature on families and minority student achievement. (CFR)

Reviews research relating to information professionals in schools, including library media specialists and teacher librarians. Topics include future research needs, student achievement, the role of teacher librarians, literature-based reading programs, home schooling, effects of gender, the role of school principals, funding, public library…

Analyzes the treatment of language and reading disabilities of 10 bilingual students receiving integrated bilingual special education. The study compares the achievement between the experimental group and a similar control group who did not receive the treatment. (24 references) (CK)

Maintains that children with disabilities increasingly are attending schools and classrooms they would attend if they did not have disabilities. Reports that educational research indicates little evidence that ability grouping improves academic achievement among these students. (CFR)

A study examined attitudes, cognitive and noncognitive experiences, and transfer-related behaviors of 277 nontraditional-age Hispanic students graduating from a community college. Measures were developed for family concerns, encouragement, social and academic integration, English skills, and educational and institutional commitments. Variables…

Asserts that intended audience size for academic historians and other historians is a major barrier between the two groups. Concludes that cooperation between precollege teachers and historians is necessary and that teachers should have more voice in curriculum development. (CFR)

Emphasizes the importance of providing some curriculum aspects in which students experience a sense of ownership. Compares the English National Curriculum with a national assessment instrument to determine which instructional methods are preferred. Speculates on potential routes into higher education for secondary students. (CFR)