Examples are cited of educational research and development findings that have specific implications for improving classroom management and school effectiveness in a comprehensive educational program. Described is the West Virginia Department of Education's current use of research on brain growth as one basis for realigning the curriculum. Patterns…

Project D.A.R.E. (Development through Adventure, Responsibility and Education), an adventure-based outdoor program, uses a feedback/evaluation model, combining a learning component with a two-part participant observational model. The first phase focuses on evaluation of the child and progress made while he is in the program (stages one to four);…

The effect of the managerial style of a college's administrative team on student and faculty behaviors is examined. Reported are the findings of a five-year nationwide study that collected data on the style of administrations at each of 49 colleges and universities and information on the degree of student and faculty satisfaction and involvement…

This handbook is designed for all school and community members who are interested in developing or improving discipline policies and procedures. It is divided into seven sections covering the various issues discipline policy writers must typically address. There are also guidelines for developing and communicating discipline information and…

This report describes two complementary projects: a technical assistance project to also provide information and resources to Kentucky vocational program serving limited English proficiency (LEP) students and a research project involving those programs. Chapter 1 is an introduction. Chapter 2 focuses on the technical assistance project. It reports…

A one-year study evaluated the Human Development Program, or "Magic Circle," a project (conducted in the Tuscaloosa County (Alabama) School District) designed to explore student concerns and ideas in the areas of awareness, mastery, and social interaction and consisting of daily twenty-minute classroom meetings of teacher and pupils in a…

Given the decline in birth rates, which will produce a steep decline in the youth population by 1990, this paper examines the possible effects such a population shift will have on the achievement motivation of children. It is reasoned the increased adult/child ratio could result in either of two possibilities: the greater attention paid to the…

This longitudinal study explored (1) the power of the mother relative to affect achievement behaviors and achievement test outcomes in a sample of low-income black youth; (2) the potential role of teacher evaluation in these outcomes; and (3) the relationship between self-esteem and achievement orientation to a child's academic performance. From…

The rationale for and development of the Classroom Behavior Scales (CRB) are discussed in connection with applications on four separate samples of Head Start, kindergarten and first grade children. Studies of observer agreement, stability, structure, comparisons over sex, classes, conditions, observers and over time are presented. Results showed…

This report continues the evaluation of Title I (ESEA 1965, PL 89-10) programs and services in the District of Columbia. Four areas of concern were: The effects of Title I funds on (a) student performance, (b) dropout rates; and the most effective programs in terms of (c) measurable pupil gains, and (d) most gain per dollar spent. Teacher…

The research is clear that parents' involvement in their child's education improves outcomes in areas such as learning, attendance, behavior, and graduation rates. Although almost any parent involvement brings improvements in student outcomes, parent involvement with their child's learning at home is most helpful in increasing student learning.…

The KIPP (Knowledge Is Power Program) Diamond (Daring Individual Achievers Making Outstanding New Dreams) Academy, housed in Cypress Junior High School in Memphis, Tennessee, opened in the summer of 2002. KIPP goals include enhancement of academic achievement and promotion of positive student leadership through an innovative redesign of…

This paper summarises the main results of the research-based evaluation of the Norwegian Manifesto against bullying. Besides schools, the evaluation was to include bullying also in kindergartens and publicly organised leisure activities. Furthermore, the work in Manifesto was to be covered on national, regional and local levels. The goal setting…

Houston, Texas, was one of the cities awarded a grant via the Annenberg funds to implement school reforms. It developed the Houston Annenberg Challenge with local collaborators to initiate and nurture systemic change, thus improving education. A research and evaluation study investigated how funded schools implemented the reform initiative, what…

This volume contains 14 essays and commentaries on youth development penned by educators, policymakers, and leaders of youth development organizations. The papers, written to commemorate 10 years of American Youth Policy Forum's service, were originally presented at a forum in Washington, D.C., in January 2003. Following are the papers:…