In light of concerns that previous staff development projects did not truly capture life in the classroom, and that there may be a gap between one's previous elementary and current university teaching experiences, a teacher educator used a semester sabbatical to shadow six first-grade teachers in order to inform thinking and practice in teaching…

State board of education members across the country cite four essential tasks of state boards in improving school quality: (1) improving teacher quality, (2) raising academic standards, (3) improving school leadership and management, and (4) promoting effective use of school time. To combat the drain of talent from the teaching profession and to…

During May of 1985, an external audit team was engaged by the Lorain (Ohio) City Schools to assess implementation of the seven correlates of an effective school. The correlates, developed by the Ohio State Department of Education, included: (1) a sense of mission; (2) strong building leadership; (3) high expectations for all students and staff;…

Various models of school effects on student achievement were applied in a study of reading and mathematics achievement in the 94 schools of the Oklahoma City Public Schools. The Leadership/Climate Inventory, completed by 1294 teachers, rated school principals in the areas of expectations, instructional leadership, forceful or dynamic style,…

Among the 12 publications reviewed in this annotated bibliography are a paper on how administrators can provide teacher support systems, the proceedings of a conference on creating conditions for effective teaching, an article on the methods principals can use to help teachers manage stress more effectively, a report of the results of a study of…

This qualitative research examined classroom behaviors and school perceptions of female students of color (Latina and African American) in single-gender and coeducational secondary-level special education placements for students with mild to moderate learning disabilities. Classroom observations and interviews were conducted with eight female…

The Law School Survey of Student Engagement (LSSSE) documents dimensions of quality in legal education and provides information and assistance to law schools and other organizations to improve student learning. LSSSE annually surveys law students to assess the extent to which they engage in educational practices associated with high levels of…

Compares the activities of different groups of music teachers during rehearsals and the amount of time spent on each activity. Dependent variables included preparation time; initial teacher talk; and time in warm-up, playing of instruments, breaks, and dismissal. Discovers that student teachers talked most and allowed students to play least. (MJP)

Presents the findings of a six-year staff development program for multigrade teachers. Discovers a significant increase in the time on task levels of the pupils and the instructional and classroom management skills of the teachers. Discusses the implications of, and problems with, the study. (MJP)

The Center on Disease Control, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (2005) identified the prevalence of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) as being 10 per 1,000. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has further explained (2005) that FASD now outranks autism and Down syndrome in prevalence.…

This monograph presents a synthesis of the literature on empirically supported effective teaching principles that have been derived from research on behavioral, cognitive, social-learning, and other theories. After an introductory section, the first section discusses characteristics of empowered and ineffective learners. Motivational, cognitive,…

This document analyzes responses to questions included in a national assessment of knowledge of U.S. history and geography in an attempt to determine the relationship between study habits and academic performance. The National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) 1994 asked 4th-, 8th-, and 12th-grade students specific questions regarding…

This monograph discusses 12 teaching methods that have a sound theoretical basis, have demonstrated a positive impact on student learning, and have a substantial research base. In many situations, the methods can be combined in such a way that the potential for student learning is greater than if used independently. Since no method will work in…

This loose-leaf compendium includes three types of brief research summaries: "topical synthesis,""close-ups," and "snapshots." The single topical synthesis is entitled "School-Community Collaboration to Improve the Quality of Life for Urban Youth and Their Families" (Kathleen Cotton). Close-ups consist of…

The concept of "task" is explored, particularly as it relates to the work students perform in learning a language. It is proposed that what really happens as a student learns can be understood better by applying the concept of task to classroom processes. The ways in which task has been defined by educators are reviewed, and it is concluded that…