Modifications and alternatives to tracking can address teachers' desires to match instruction to student abilities without the gross educational inequalities accompanying lower-tracked classes and without ignoring exceptional children's needs. Untracked classes can be improved by providing extra help, equipping teachers with useful teaching…

This New Jersey survey found that 67 teachers of preschool handicapped children were more stringent in their perceptions of the skills necessary for mainstreaming in kindergarten than were 63 kindergarten teachers. The survey also found that different instructional strategies were used by the two teacher groups. (Author/JDD)

Compares the principal-teacher interactions in an instructionally effective elementary school with those in an ordinary school. Findings about the principal of the more effective school include the following: (1) expressed concern and support; (2) had high instructional expectations; and (3) interacted frequently with teachers. (FMW)

Describes students' reactions to questions on essay tests. Examines relationships in attitudes and essay questions, the effects of readability on student attitudes, and the effects of question length and rhetorical structure. Concludes that certain rhetorical features of essay questions affect how students respond on tests. (KEH)

Discusses researchers' emphasis upon prejudicial perceptions in pedagogics. Points out that prejudice is accepted as a normal feature of pedagogics and that elimination of the problem requires much effort. Demonstrates a way to release pedagogical perception from the stage of illusionary fixations and magical anticipations. (KO)

A study found that a slight majority of Illinois agricultural production teachers requires all vocational agriculture students to have supervised occupational experience (SOE) educational programs. Teachers who place higher expectations on their students for SOE participation are more systematic and extensive in their planning and supervision…

Describes Provo (Utah) School District's efforts to establish instructional leadership roles for its principals. To achieve instructional improvement goals, Provo principals are expected to provide leadership in four fundamental areas: staff development, curriculum review, clinical supervision, and evaluation and assessment. Includes four…

Problems in the search and selection of college presidents that make presidential success difficult are examined, including expectations of the search process; need for support of the board, faculty, and executive officers; and expectations about candidates' longevity and mobility. Five salient leadership characteristics are identified:…

Analyzes teacher professionalism as an outcome of collegial interaction in local school contexts, drawing on a multiyear study in 16 high schools. Data suggest that professionalism evolves within active learning communities but also suggest some tension between a strong service ethic and the technical culture within some schools. (SLD)

Examines the empowerment of women by focusing on the use of teacher-centered power in the classroom. Distinguishes between coercive and benevolent use of authority and shows how students, particularly nontraditional students, may benefit by a benevolent use of teacher-centered power in the classroom. (19 citations) (MAB)

Parents of high-achieving and low-achieving Mexican American fourth and fifth graders had similar beliefs about the importance of education and similar expectations for their children's educational attainment. Parents of high achievers were more likely to be upset by mediocre grades, to feel that they could help their children succeed, and to…

Researchers agree that academic self-efficacy beliefs are strongly predictive of academic performance. This study investigates four students' perceptions of the evolution of their efficacy beliefs about writing and of the relationship between these beliefs and their writing competence. (JPS)

A questionnaire was completed by 67 gifted females and follow-up interviews were conducted with 25 of these women to explore their education, family life and influences, personal and professional achievements, and effects of marriage and children. Barriers to their talent development included their marriages and personal lives. (SW)

From a sample of National Association for Vocational Special Needs Personnel members, 245 usable responses identified the following teacher beliefs: (1) at-risk students are capable of learning higher-order thinking; (2) special-needs students learn best linearly; (3) at-risk youth do not predictably transfer learning; and (4) realistic, relevant…

Investigated the influence of loss of face and acculturation on the group psychotherapy expectations of Asian American students (n=134). Results showed acculturation was a significant predictor of positive attitudes toward group counseling whereas loss of face was not. Argues that not all Asian Americans have negative orientations toward group…