Discusses the "Preferences of Adolescents at Secondary School" (PASS) survey administered to 595 students in seven British comprehensive schools. Assesses student opinions on topics such as overt versus covert feedback, teacher interaction, school environment, and rationale for attendance, stating that, in general, adolescents still…

Many severely disabled individuals who rely on augmentative and alternative communication systems experience difficulties using newly acquired communication skills in settings different from those introduced in the instructional context and with different conversational partners. Methods of promoting functional communication skills are addressed,…

After describing the pros and cons of reduced class size, this article evaluates the effectiveness of a pilot project sponsored by the Indiana Department of Education to reduce the size of its primary grade classes. Methodology and results are presented and discussed. (JL)

Reviews research on the relationship of cultural background to academic achievement. Concludes that the most successful approaches to minority education recognize and use cultural background in the activity settings in which the learning process takes place. (FMW)

Analyzes the impact of teen pregnancy on the education of Black adolescents. Examines the scope of the problem, its social context, and its consequences. Discusses several effective approaches to teenage pregnancy prevention, including sex/family life education, school-based health clinics, life skills instruction, school retention, and…

Identifies situations in which there is disparity between coefficients calculated from aggregate versus individual level data. Determines the magnitudes of these discrepancies, and discusses the implications for test score reporting and policy decisions based in whole or in part on the aggregate level relationships and discrepancies identified.…

As part of a larger study of seven Mexican children in California, researchers investigated the problems Hispanic students may have in adjusting to a school culture different from their home culture. Findings suggest that effective teachers understand the significance of collective work in the Mexican family. (KH)

Echoes the recommendation in "An Agenda for Excellence at the Middle Level" that junior high schools and middle schools recognize and accommodate their socially, physically, and mentally diverse populations. (SRT)

A correspondent who toured six Chinese universities reports on educational trends, use of educational television in higher education, educational computing in elementary and secondary education, and Chinese market for Western educational ideas and computer hardware and software. (MBR)

A survey of 82 graduate social work students revealed low levels of physical and psychological stress associated with graduate work. Symptoms were reported at higher levels in relation to classroom work than field practice. No major differences were found by sex or marital status, but class standing did produce significant differences. (MSE)

For close to three years, a reform process has been under way in Soviet education, representing an attempt to overhaul, upgrade, and streamline the state school system. How the system of public education in the USSR was mobilized to implement the reforms is discussed. (RM)

This synthesis of research focuses on nine factors influencing learning, including student characteristics, instructional factors, and environmental factors. In conclusion, the need for devoting more time to academic learning both in school and out of school and the importance of enlisting families as partners in education are emphasized. (MJL)

The School Improvement Project demonstrates that when schools rigorously implement activities that address the five "Edmonds Factors," gains in student achievement and staff attitudes can be made. These factors are (1) strong administrative leadership; (2) emphasis on basic skills; (3) an orderly school climate; (4) ongoing student…

Research findings, supported by other research projects, identify the elements relevant to school improvement as school focus, school autonomy, and staff development. A chart based on three recent major literature reviews provides a comprehensive listing of supportable assertions regarding unusually effective institutions. (MLF)

Summarizes and evaluates briefly the findings of research on the effects of various middle-level grade organizations on students' achievement, discipline, self-discipline, self-esteem, and social development. (PGD)