Studied relationship between student and parent perceptions of school social environment (SE) and school membership. Found that the relationship of parent satisfaction to SE was best explained by school climate, school-parent communication, and empowerment of parents. The relationship of student enjoyment to SE was best explained by staff…

Analysis of data from the Schools and Staffing Survey, 1987-88, reveals that compared to metropolitan schools, nonmetropolitan schools are smaller, have fewer teachers with advanced degrees, and offer fewer advanced or remedial classes. However, smaller rural schools often provide smaller classes, more teacher attention, and a less stressful…

Reports the results of a survey of school counselors in rural areas that was designed to determine: perceived seriousness of different types of aggressive and violent behavior among students, availability and the quality of referral sources for students who have problems with aggression or other serious problems, and training that school…

Highlights the importance of the dynamics of the learner group in shaping the second language (L2) learning process, and overviews the most relevant aspects of classroom dynamics. Argues that group characteristics and processes affect any success or failure in the L2 classroom and that teachers could benefit from an awareness of the principles of…

Explores the empirical evidence that explains the increasing attrition rates of first year college science, math, and engineering (SME) majors. Results suggest that the interaction of instructional factors, differing high school and college faculty expectations for entering SME undergraduates, and epistemological considerations contribute to…

Interviews with 61 fourth-grade English language learners (ELLs) and native English speakers in an English-only California school district found that compared with weaker ELL readers, ELLs who read English well expressed more confidence about their own primary-language abilities and about others' perceptions of their primary language and…

A study examined Spanish-speaking children's attitudes about being and staying bilingual. Classroom observations and interviews with 15 fifth-grade students, 12 parents, and 2 teachers at a Texas elementary school indicated that despite being in a supportive bilingual environment, students believed they would have to struggle to maintain their…

Describes a study conducted at a private college in Malaysia that identified factors that helped learners successfully use information and communication technology in a virtual learning environment. Topics include skills and attitudes of students; awareness of information available on the Internet; access to the Internet; and perceived…

Zero-tolerance policies have had no appreciable effect on reducing violence, have had an adverse effect on African American students, and are receiving mixed reactions in the courts. Effective solutions are seen as improving overall school climate to guide school operations related to student discipline. (Contains 13 references.) (MLF)

Deals with the vulnerable position of nursery education in 1990s Britain, given the changing nature of the family in society and particularly in view of nursery education's weakly articulated justification in the face of government intervention in education. Discusses current standards of evaluation (OFSTED inspections) and achievement and the…

Examines the origin and current meaning of the labels, ESL (English as a Second Language) and EFL (English as a foreign language). Places these acronyms in historical context, evaluates their current credibility, distinguishes three contexts commonly referred to as ESL environments and proposes a new nomenclature that better captures the role of…

Relies on students' and teachers' accounts to reveal a more accurate account of classroom life in England (circa 1920-39) than that of official documents. Suggests that corporal punishment was extensive and brutal. Includes many verbatim accounts of teachers' and students' reactions to this treatment. (MJP)

Analyzed data from 2,814 15- and 16-year-old secondary school students to investigate the collective influence of family, school, and peers on behavioral problems in adolescence. Adolescents with behavioral problems had a more negative perception of the environment, indicating that behavioral problems are associated with problems in multiple…

Qualitative analysis of language generated in structured interviews with 11 high-ability at-risk middle school children (who had not been identified for gifted programs) yielded information concerning personal difficulties, perceived support, familiarity with danger and violence, home environment, school experiences, perceptions of the future, and…

Describes a long-term scheme to develop a pond, nature trail, and tree-planting project (in Cornwall, England). The project was designed by teams of students. Plans included a large pond, meadow area, sequential cuttings of school fields to encourage insects, butterfly garden, extensive tree plantings (including a dwindling native species), and a…