The three reports in this collection are based on research reviews and original research from both published and unpublished sources, covering the years 1986 through 1990, and they reflect the broad array of factors that determine the effectiveness of technology-based instruction. The first report discusses research studying the effects of…

This study reports students' perceptions of their school's curriculum, support services, attendance policies, and social-learning climate. The study analyzed the interview responses of a sample of 236 students, administrators, teachers, and counselors at 6 Florida high schools representing a range of graduation rates. The following general…

This report describes a research effort and some preliminary findings on effective school practices as they apply to the Portland (Oregon) Public Schools' Education Consolidation and Improvement Act (ECIA) Chapter 1 program, which is a supplementary basic skills instructional program for low-achieving students. Nearly 60 hours of unsystematic…

A survey was conducted of faculty members at the 19 campuses of California State University regarding what the beginning teacher should know and be able to do. The resulting profile of characteristics of effective beginning teachers is presented in this document, focusing on nine areas of knowledge, skills, and attitudes. These areas are:…

Although the physical environment of schools seems to affect the attitude and behavior of students and teachers, there is little scientific proof to support this belief. Two substantial studies have attempted to synthesize available research on the topic. First, an effort by Carol Weinstein has gathered significant data concerning spatial behavior…

Many studies of dropouts have examined race, gender, ethnic background, and socioeconomic status as factors predisposing students to drop out of school. A study was conducted to examine the school-related factors influencing high school students' decision to drop out, as well as the attitudes of high school dropouts toward public education today.…

The U.S. Department of Education has shown support for vocational education through a number of initiatives. Task forces on, for example, defense preparedness and entrepreneurship education have been established at the national level. Two new programs--corrections education and rural education--have been established and have had a significant…

This research was conducted to compare the effects of a cooperative instructional context with a competitive instructional context on the verbal and nonverbal behaviors of same-sex student pairs within a microcomputer environment. Subjects were 20 male and 20 female sixth-grade students who were randomly assigned to same-sex pairs. All pairs were…

This guide for middle school administrators is built upon the concept of administrators training one another using scripted workshop materials. Written to be read aloud and adapted for individual use, the guide provides information for development of effective middle school programs. This workshop material is organized into six sections.…

A number of researchers, as well as practicing teachers and administrators, have reached similar conclusions about what makes a school effective: (1) the behavior of teachers, administrators, and students; (2) the quality, as well as the quantity of effort, materials, and time; and (3) the curriculum--both what is taught and how it is taught. The…

"Invitational Education" is a metaphor for an emerging model of the educative process consisting of four value-based assumptions about the nature of people and their potential: (1) people are able, valuable, and responsible and should be treated accordingly; (2) education should be a collaborative, cooperative activity; (3) people…

A pilot study of retention at a large, residential, Ph.D.-granting institution employed causal modeling (LISREL) to examine the effects of institutional variables (academic and social climate) on student retention within the causal structure specified by the Tinto model. Scales constructed from Cooperative Institutional Research Program (CIRP) and…

A variety of federal, state, and local programs provide public financial or in-kind support of private schools. This paper explores the impact of selected federal programs on minority employment patterns and focuses on the factors accounting for variation in racial staffing patterns among public, Catholic, and private schools. The study concludes…

In an application of contingency theory, data from 45 Arizona schools were analyzed to determine the relationships between three sets of independent variables (organizational structure, leadership style, and environmental characteristics) and the dependent variable (organizational effectiveness as perceived by principals and teachers). Contingency…

Presented as a handbook for administrators, this pamphlet is intended as an aid in directing and managing a school's multicultural, nonsexist education plans. The support of superintendents and administrators is strategic in successful implementation of such plans. Through their support and leadership, administrators determine whether school board…