This paper presents ideas relating to curriculum organization from the Far West Laboratory for Educational Research and Development publication, "Excellence in Our Schools: Making It Happen," which attempted to synthesize nine reports written in response to the National Commission on Excellence in Education report, "A Nation at…

This speech discusses problems that principals face in trying to implement effective school strategies, describes ongoing research in instructional management, and identifies school improvement strategies used by particularly effective principals. The first section addresses practical problems in finding the appropriate balance between high…

School boards can improve their schools if they focus on four factors that educational research says most strongly influence school effectiveness. The four factors are (1) the time students spend on the subject matter each day, (2) textbooks, (3) teachers and their teaching methods, and (4) principals' support to help teachers achieve…

This meta-analysis of 49 comparative studies shows that mastery testing has positive effects on student learning, but the size of effect depends on the stringency of the criterion used and the degree of experimental control. The effects of instructional time, student attitudes, and differences in ability levels are also addressed. (Author/LRW)

This study investigated the effect of reward structure and group ability composition on small group computer-assisted instruction. Junior high school students practiced algebra in mixed-ability or uniform-ability groups, and rewards were based on individual performance, group performance, or a combination of both. (29 references) (Author/LRW)

Secondary vocational-technical education programs in Mississippi are faced with many challenges resulting from sweeping educational reforms at the national and state levels. Schools and instructors are increasingly being held accountable for providing true learning activities to every student in the classroom. This accountability is measured…

Secondary vocational-technical education programs in Mississippi are faced with many challenges resulting from sweeping educational reforms at the national and state levels. Schools and teachers are increasingly being held accountable for providing true learning activities to every student in the classroom. This accountability is measured through…

This review of the literature highlights research-based ways to improve schools and classrooms. Emphasis is on student time-on-task, effective teacher behaviors, and positive teacher supervision. (JM)

Time allocation in the second and fifth grades was divided into three major categories: (1) academic activities such as reading, mathematics, science, and social studies; (2) nonacademic activities such as music, art, and physical education; and (3) noninstructional activities such as transitions and class business. The number of minutes engaged…

Further explains the theory of "experiential time," which argues that children can process more information and have more time for complex play when the size of the learning environment is decreased, which increases a child's command of space. (SD)

Utilizes a time-series plus control group design to compare the relative effects of a teacher sending home positive, negative, or a combination of the two types of letters for disruptive students. Results showed the negative letter to be most effective in increasing on-task behavior. (MJP)

Discusses the role of computers, multimedia, and network technology in improving education, in and outside school, by increasing time spent on learning activities. Highlights include government's role in improving educational software; technological advancements; a history of schooling; barriers to change; and emerging information, education, and…

Describes a study that investigated the effects of learner control and program control, and lean and full modes of instructional programs, on the achievement, use of options, time on task, and attitudes of high-ability and low-ability students from grades 9 and 10 during computer-assisted instruction. (LRW)

Describes study of undergraduates that investigated learners' preconceptions of the difficulty of interactive video, instructional television, and television. The effects of actively or covertly responding to practice questions on perceived mental effort, recall, and inferences are examined, and correlations between lesson time and inference or…

Describes a study that compared the effectiveness of computer-mediated communication systems for teacher education distance education courses with traditional classroom instruction and a correspondence course at Purdue University. Variables examined are described, including achievement test scores, time-on-task, and students' attitudes; and…