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…

The first interview in this article discusses the expectations and challenges adult learners bring with them to the community college classroom, and what instructors should know in order to teach them effectively. The second interview discusses the student experience, including teacher-student relationships, class size, and teacher effectiveness.…

Effects of differences between home and child care were studied, focusing on expectations and values of caregivers and of parents of toddlers in Australia from Vietnamese, Somali, and Anglo-Australian backgrounds. Preliminary data show that parents from minority ethnic groups selected child care paralleling child's home experiences. Parents using…

Describes ways in which well-intentioned efforts to protect young children from inappropriate school practices have had the opposite effect. Readiness testing, retention, transition classes, tracking, and increased entrance age are discussed. Alternative strategies are proposed. (BB)

This review of research on the development of self-concept in young children defines and differentiates the various dimensions of self-concept; notes problems associated with measuring self-concept; comments on the relationship between cognitive development and self-concept, and discusses external factors related to self-concept development. (BB)

Interview responses of fifth- and sixth-grade gifted and talented children in resource programs revealed attitudes about their own abilities, competition, their school programs, expectations of others, and participation in special programs. A variety of social and emotional needs clearly emerged. (MSE)

Asserts that assessment has become a leading national educational issue. Presents a chronology of events in California related to student assessment reform. Identifies the California Learning Assessment System (CLAS) three key elements: (1) individual student scores; (2) performance testing; and (3) curriculum improvement. (CFR)

Before educators can address mathematics anxiety, they must recognize its presence and identify the complex factors that sustain it. The article discusses social and motivational factors that make it more prevalent among females, examines classroom interactions related to math anxiety, notes the consequences of math anxiety, and discusses…

Research into student attrition in college science education has identified fundamental differences between the way students in the physical sciences are taught and the way students in the social sciences or humanities are taught. Implications for academic advising include having advisors attend science classes and informing science faculty about…

Expresses concern over the unproblematic acceptance of authoritative educational discourses by educators, describes one educator's efforts to engage teachers in problematizing of a particularly authoritative educational discourse (classroom management) in colleges of education, and highlights a graduate course that engaged teachers in exploring…

Data from 31 middle school teachers were categorized through the use of qualitative research to determine what teachers perceive to be the advantages and disadvantages of ability grouping as well as alternative grouping practices. Found that most teachers were knowledgeable about ability grouping through experience or professional development;…

Reviews past research on teacher expectations, student motivation, classroom management, and process-outcome research. Discusses the newer trend toward research on teaching for understanding and use of knowledge and its application for curriculum development, particularly in social studies. Contains detailed tables summarizing the author's…

Examines characteristics that lead to problems for Appalachian children entering urban schools. Describes cultural aspects that are challenged in northern schools and attitudes held by educators in those schools. Suggests ways to improve the quality of the education provided, and an approach whereby adjustment is viewed as a progressive and mutual…

A report prepared by Public Agenda, a nonpartisan research and education organization, captures, frames, and focuses the public's concerns about public schools. Higher standards and more challenging work are supported, with emphasis on safety, order, and the basics of education, coupled with skepticism about unproven reform efforts. (SLD)

Describes a study that focuses on the Pygmalion effect by examining how educators express their expectations to children in a kindergarten class. Indicates that educators, when cultivating high or low expectations toward the children, do not react in the same manner. (46 citations) (MAB)