This study investigated the effect of timed testing on developmental students' scores and developed data that might better reveal students' reading and testing behaviors. Three tests were administered to provide six variables, including the Cooperative English Test, Form 1A (Coop 1A); Cooperative English Test, Form 1B (Coop 1B); and Degrees of…

Collaborative learning (the construction of knowledge through interaction of pairs or small groups of students) is an effective tool for helping students bridge the gap between speaking and writing. To accomplish this type of learning, students must practice talking and writing in a small group structure. Concrete teaching experience has shown…

This handbook was prepared to ensure that, as required by section 626.1 of the California Penal Code in 1984, "students, parents, and all school officials and employees have access to a concise, easily understandable summary of California penal and civil law pertaining to crimes committed against persons or property on school grounds."…

This paper presents a two-phase approach to drug prevention which can be implemented by the schools. Materials presented here describe aproaches taken by various schools or school districts nationwide. Phase One concerns board of education policies. The offenses of simple possession or use of a drug and possession with intent to sell are…

Staff of the Tennessee State University Class Size Project investigated effects of a 1:15 teacher/pupil ratio on first grade students' reading and mathematics achievement, behavior, attendance, and self concept. Participants were first grade pupils attending metropolitan Nashville public schools, who were assigned to an experimental group of seven…

Teacher behaviors and activities related to varying levels of student engagement and disruption were examined in 41 elementary school classrooms. Teachers and their classes were observed for eight weeks at the beginning of the school year and from January to March to determine: (1) the relationships between management behaviors and two student…

This paper: (1) provides the conceptual underpinnings of the knowledge about effective school practices that bear directly on the quality of the teacher workforce; and (2) analyzes current policy decisions and their ability to affect positive changes. Working conditions enhancing teacher commitment, retention, and teaching effectiveness are…

This booklet describes the characteristics of 16 Chicago-area schools designated as winners in a 1982-83 contest to develop student character and academic learning. Out of the 80 schools competing, the 25 finalists were reviewed for evidence of school effectiveness and outcomes. Schools were asked to assess students' prosocial activities and the…

This paper examines aspects related to the validity of process-product research involving classroom observation and teacher effectiveness. Differences in categories, terminology, and definitions of five classroom observation instruments are delineated and discussed in relation to their various effects on the validity of process-product research…

This document reports on an inquiry into elementary school students' perceptions of important classroom rules and of the teacher's authority. Chapter 1 provides an overview to this verification inquiry, part of a larger study, Ecological Perspectives for Successful Schooling Practice. The next chapter reports on the findings on children's…

This summary presents findings from the Monitoring the Future project, which involves repeated cross-sectional surveys as well as panel studies of youth throughout the United States. The data showed both changes and continuities in drug use and other deviant behaviors. Discussion of the findings focuses on five broad themes: (1) consistencies…

Chapter 8 of a revised volume on school leadership, this chapter defines school climate and suggests ways to improve the learning environment at the school building level. School climate is defined as the feeling an individual gets from experiences within a school system. More specifically, climate is the composite of norms, expectations, and…

The purpose of this study was to investigate the teaching behavior and instructional methods of female elementary school teachers when engaged in mathematical instruction. This is a qualitative case study using the actual classroom setting as the source of data and the researcher as the instrument. Two female teachers were selected from each of…

This book encourages sexual abstinence as the logical, positive choice for middle school students. The book emphasizes that abstinence eliminates the risks of unwanted pregnancy, sexually transmitted disease, and emotional upheavals. This module's seven sequenced lessons are designed to develop both cognitive and behavioral skills and focus on…

Students in the Portland (Oregon) Public Schools' Education Consolidation Improvement Act Chapter 1 program made greater achievement gains while in the program than when they were not, and those gains are probably attributable to the extent that Chapter 1 students engage in positive behaviors rather than to the curricular quality of the programs.…