In the fall of 1998, the Education Trust constructed and administered a survey of 1,200 schools that had been identified by the states as their top-scoring or most improved schools with poverty levels over 50%. The 366 elementary and secondary schools that responded to the survey serve student populations that are largely poor in urban and rural…

This pamphlet discusses ways that teachers can make a positive difference in promoting confidence in mathematics in talented girls. It discusses the influence of gender bias and the need for teachers to believe that girls can do mathematics and do it very well. The benefits of cooperative learning versus competitive learning are addressed, as well…

Adolescent development research and theory have tremendous potential to inform the work of high school teachers, counselors, and administrators. "Understanding Youth" bridges the gap between adolescent development theory and practice. Nakkula and Toshalis explore how factors such as social class, peer and adult relationships, gender…

The need to evaluate educational programs is briefly addressed, and the application of the Discrepancy Evaluation Model (DEM) at a hypothetical residential school for the visually handicapped is described. (Author/SW)

All teacher evaluation forms completed in the arts and sciences division of a large community college were analyzed. Multiple regression was used to predict teacher rating. Items relating to teacher characteristics as perceived by the students (e.g., "tries to help students understand," etc.) had a consistant impact on rating. (Author/MLW)

Undergraduate subjects with either an internal or external locus of control were used to investigate the relationship between locus of control and responsiveness to expectations regarding their own and their teacher's competence. As predicted, internal subjects were more receptive to the expectation regarding self than external subjects.…

Three approaches, focusing on (1) individual differences, (2) an aggregate composite, and (3) an aptitude-treatment interaction model to assess classroom climate, are discussed. A description of how a classroom climate approach to secondary-level psychological services can be implemented is presented. (Author/PN)

There is a sense among today's students that they are passengers on a sinking ship, even though they are optimistic about their own futures. A new curriculum including interdisciplinary study, majors in problems rather than disciplines, career internships, and theses is proposed to counter student attitudes. (MSE)

Cooper and Baron's conclusions (EJ 174 719) that teachers' performance expectations were more potent predictors of their reinforcement behavior in class than were their attributions of responsibility is criticized on the basis of methodological flaws in the study. Evidence associations between teachers' attributions of responsibility and their…

Data analyses suggest that family social status, race, sex, and their child's ability influence parents' expectations of educational and occupational attainment for the child. Findings give some support to the notion of crystallization of parental expectations (involving formulation overtime of parental perceptions of the child's ability) for…

In 1977 a survey was sent to two-thirds of new first-year students at UNE including 32 mature age admission students. The responses are compared including data on motivation, expectations and reality of university life, satisfaction with university life, study methods, and self-esteem. (MLW)

Suggestions for improved course management include: (1) up-to-date syllabus, (2) course objectives and teacher expectations communicated in syllabus, (3) written weighted requirements for course, (4) written expectations in regard to papers and projects, (5) discussion of student responsibility, (6) clarification of grading criteria, (7) state…

American University sponsored two summer institutes in urban affairs to expose college educators to major developments in the area and to give them training for developing or upgrading their own programs. The program's effectiveness is evaluated and institutes as a means of continuing education for educators are discussed. (JMD)

Attempts to identify patterns of teacher behavior that vary with expectations for pupil ability and to examine how these expectations interact with other pupil characteristics (race and sex). Subjects were 100 White female undergraduates enrolled in teacher training programs. (MP)

The effects of record-card-type information on performance expectations were examined. Expectations based solely on preobservational information (standardized tests, previous teachers, family, physical characteristics) were positively related to the quality of the reported performance. Implications for the public concern over record card…