After discussing school climate and the differences between school climate and school culture, this document lists numerous components and determinants of school climate as identified in related literature. A description of school culture from "Caught in the Middle," a report developed by the Middle Grades Program Quality Review Task Force and the…

Recommendations are offered to help administrators successfully implement mastery learning (ML). It is stated that: (1) ML requires watching both the achievement and satisfaction of learners; (2) consideration of teachers' knowledge and attitudes when training them in ML principles is critical; (3) a high level of skill and commitment is required…

This report summarizes the findings of three studies conducted by the Far West Laboratory for Educational Research and Development in San Francisco, California. The first comprised five case studies of school principals. The second synthesized studies on collaborative arrangements for school improvement, and the third is a review of five studies…

To effectively compete in the market of online education, institutions need to get potential students' attention and interest in their high quality online programs. This goal can be reached by developing an online Web portal presenting the institution's online learning environment and the specific class, certificate, or degree program offerings in…

Determining gender learning-style preferences is necessary in assuring that principal preparation programmes are inclusive of styles that benefit both males and females. The purpose of this study was to determine if there were any gender differences for students in a principal preparation programme on responses to items measuring pedagogy (science…

In 1985 the Center for Educational Development (CED) and the Urban League began an initiative to improve the public schools in Rochester, New York. This was in response to growing concern and supporting evidence about young people dropping out of school and/or receiving an inadequate education. Task forces were convened to study the issues behind…

The principal of a newly opened elementary school implemented a practicum study designed to unify faculty, parents, staff, and children; add direction to the program; develop a sense of purpose; and increase participation. It was expected that a vision statement would be developed in the school's first year of operation, and that parents and staff…

A preschool director designed an outdoor playground for 115 infants, toddlers, and preschoolers attending an early childhood center operated by a graduate theological seminary. Based on a review of the relevant literature on different aspects of outdoor play, the design reflected a playground that: (1) integrated outdoor play area with indoor…

Using data from the High School Transcript Study of the Class of 1987--more commonly known as the NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress) Transcript Study--a project explored the characteristics distinguishing schools that enroll large proportions of their handicapped students in vocational education. The study found that schools…

A preliminary examination of two approaches adopted in California to address the high school dropout problem is presented. Focus is on comparing aggregate impacts of State Bill (SB) 65 and of California Local Educational Reform Network (C-LERN) approaches to high school dropout reduction and prevention between 1985-86 and 1987-88. Four groups of…

Section 1 of this report presents the results of a national survey of public school teachers in 1990, which solicited their views and opinions on the current condition of teaching. Over 20,000 teachers responded to the survey which contained questions ranging from their assessment of overall morale to the availability of instructional materials,…

The book offers practical information and insights about college life for students who are about to enter college for the first time. Each chapter title names a task or challenge that may have to be dealt with by the student as he/she begins the college experience. Among the topics that are covered in depth are: dormitory life; relationships with…

A study involving 55 elementary schools and 18 secondary schools was undertaken to examine the relationships among teachers' perceptions of school organizational coupling structures, school environmental robustness, and three school effectiveness measures (school organizational effectiveness, school achievement, and average daily attendance). The…

Canada's French immersion program began in 1965 in response to anglophone parent demand for bilingual French/English instruction. Instruction entirely in French begins in kindergarten, and formal English instruction begins in third grade. The program's popularity has caused rapid expansion, with success attributed to changing attitudes toward…

Since 1982-83, Spencerport Central School District (New York) has conducted a project to improve the educational program and student learning in each building of the district. This report provides a comprehensive overview of the project, focusing on five elementary schools. The project's goal for each building is that at least 95 percent of all…