Pio Pico Elementary School, Santa Ana (California), is a public school that provides a rigorous academic program for every one of its low income Latino students by embracing the multifaceted offerings of the community in a spirit of equity for all, inside and outside the classroom. This qualitative study explores the complexities of Pio Pico…

Research studies that have focused on identifying the characteristics or correlates of elementary and secondary schools that are unusually effective are reviewed, concentrating on the "effective schools" movement. Research on effective schools supports the conclusion that they rank high on certain characteristics frequently referred to as…

This book examines the expectancy effect (or self-fulfilling prophecy) on student achievement. One of its main purposes is to take a broader look at for whom, where, when, and how expectancy effects take place and what consequences they have for children in school. Chapter 1 presents a case study of educational expectancy of a learning-disabled…

This report summarizes the responses of students in two Philadelphia high schools to the second year of implementation of the Talent Development comprehensive school reform model. Both schools served low-income, predominantly African American and Hispanic American students. The Talent Development model was intended to improve schools facing…

The schools that Head Start participants enter may have very different methods and attitudes than were present in Head Start, and a different approach to working with children and families. While Head Start programs are seldom in a position to bring about changes in the public schools, Head Start parents can be a powerful force for school change.…

U.S. junior high school students in grades 7 and 8 (N=226) responded to survey items on their self-esteem and interest in schoolwork, their personal expectancy of completing high school, and perceived support from their teachers, parents, and peers for this expectancy. Their grade point average (GPA) and attendance data were obtained from school…

There have been few initiatives addressing the improvement of science education for students with disabilities. Funded by the National Science Foundation, Biotechnology Works is a summer institute in immunology and genetics for students with disabilities, high school science teachers, and high school counselors. During the 1998 summer session,…

Despite an enormous investment in equalizing educational opportunities for all Americans, substantial evidence indicates that significant inequities remain, particularly for low-socioeconomic-status (SES) students. The report draws on an extensive review of the current research literature and contributes new analyses of national databases to fill…

Maintains that middle school is a crucial time to select challenging courses to maximize the high school experience and to open the widest range of choices for college and careers. Advocates college preparatory mathematics and science courses and describes a tool kit to help schools improve mathematics achievement. Suggests raising community and…

Examines preservice teachers' perceptions of music teaching, elementary students, musical content, and school contexts. Ninety preservice teachers responded to a series of experiences that included participating in a model lesson, observing an interview with a general music teacher, and discussing the components of educational experiences. (MJP)

Assessed the influence of the racial consciousness attitudes and identity of 126 white prospective teachers on their perceptions of the teachability of students of various racial/ethnic backgrounds. Perceptions of these student teachers varied with the race and ethnicity of the students and for cognitive and personal/social variables. (SLD)

Presents a personal perspective of a young teacher from a rural background and his experiences teaching music in an all-boys high school in New York City's South Bronx. Includes brief recommendations for creative and innovative ideas to motivate students and keep them focused. (MJP)

This study examined teaching practices in four suburban high school advanced placement (AP) American History classrooms using case study methodology. Results indicated that more effective teachers distributed and asked more questions, had higher engagement rates, had greater feedback on assignments, and had greater participation and success rates.…

Asserts that students see grades as an indicator of effort unconnected to the content of the course while teachers regard grades as a measure of achievement within a discipline. Discusses some of the current controversies and approaches concerning grades and how they relate to school reform. (MJP)

Describes the academic status of African American boys in public schools, and how teacher preconceptions and latent prejudices precipitate lower expectations and an educational climate different for black students than for white students. Includes quotes from black students who are achieving despite such problems. (HTH)