Variables that affect the use of knowledge gained by educators at workshops were investigated. Knowledge use is significantly associated with: (1) school climate variables such as staff treatment, goal direction, and problem solving; and (2) workshop features such as clear explanations, job relevance, and amount and qualities of instruction. (FG)

Grade 10 and 12 students from single-sex and coeducational schools were surveyed, comparing their perceptions of school emphasis on scholarship and achievement affiliation and nonacademic activities, and control and discipline. Coeducational schools were perceived to enjoy an advantage in social-emotional needs and to minimize regimentation and…

Observed 34 children in a Midwest rural two-room school. Teacher strategies are described, as well as child behavior, as they differed from urban schools. Comparison of the Metropolitan Achievement Tests and the Science Research Associates (SRA) scores yielded little or no differences in performance between urban and rural children. (Author)

School administrators can make changes in schools that will help students learn more effectively. Among these changes are improvements in landscaping, teaching spaces, and storage space. In addition, provisions for a community lounge and spaces for volunteers and the custodial crew will increase the quality of the school environment. (MLF)

Outlines specific counselor roles and functions considered critical for improving the quality of education for Black children. Considers important counselor functions related to the concerns of school personnel and the educational interests of the Black community. Presents a model for school counseling curriculum development. (RC)

Compared characteristics of students (N=180) who withdrew from a university after completing two years of a baccalaureate program. Dropouts, stopouts, and transfers reported that four factors were related to withdrawal decisions: academic environment, financial demands, career focus, and social/personal environment. Discusses implications of…

Conditions for effective professional practice do not exist widely, either financially or psychologically, for the teacher today. Schools where teachers study and practice must be improved for the benefit of teachers, parents, students, and the community. (CJ)

Discusses factors revealed by educational research that improve student learning and over which administrators and trustees have some control: school atmosphere and instructional time. Offers 14 steps for implementing research findings into educational innovations. (NEC)

Reviews studies on the psychosocial learning environment of science classrooms focusing on: (1) assessment of classroom learning environments; (2) predictive validity of environmental perceptions in science classrooms; (3) past criterion validity studies; and (4) directions for future research. (DS)

Concurrent case studies of consensus formation and maintenance in school district governance in six New York districts yielded eight critical variables, including environmental constraints, community interest group mobilization, school board and administrator unity, administrative expertise, superintendents' leadership abilities, teacher…

Reviews recent research on school effectiveness to identify the behaviors of effective principals. Maintains that effective principals emphasize achievement, set instructional strategies, provide an orderly atmosphere, frequently evaluate student progress, coordinate instructional programs, and support teachers. (Author/JM)

Lists 20 questions designed to give an idea of a private school's performance outside of business and development concerns and gives each question's source. Areas covered include school goals, leadership effectiveness, staff evaluation and development, curriculum review, school climate, communication, and parental and graduate involvement.…

Reviews a study of 12 London inner-city secondary schools, "Fifteen Thousand Hours," by Michael Rutter, Barbara Maughan, Peter Mortimore, Janet Ouston, and Alan Smith. Emphasizes the book's findings that, despite contrary evidence from studies by James Coleman and Christopher Jencks, students' success depends largely on which schools…

Enumerates the advantages and disadvantages of the extensive use of part-time instructors in the community college. Summarizes the results of a study of actual and preferred personnel practices related to part-time instructors in Southwestern states. Concludes that teaching effectiveness hinges upon the individual instructors and their integration…

Analyzing the serious discipline problems existing in inner-city secondary schools plus teacher and administrator perceptions of it, the author tells educators that they cannot expect to alter the home/school socioeconomic clash which generates the problem, but they can create a positive learning climate which will raise student achievement. (SJL)