Summarizes five studies: (1) new sight words for computer-using children; (2) immediate rewards for correct answers with computer assisted instruction; (3) importance of parental attitude and experience to student achievement with computers; (4) Logo and adolescent females' mathematics achievement; and (5) competition versus cooperation for male…

The effects of structured academic conflict, controversy, and debate were compared with individual study. Results indicated controversy promoted the most cross-ethnic verbal rehearsal and exchange of assigned material, concern that all students master assignments, active search for information, highest self-esteem, and accepting and supportive…

While the primary issue in the future of college student financial aid, pertaining especially to the role of the College Scholarship Service, is fairness in awarding aid in the context of extreme college aid competition, other issues include college quality and choice, who should pay for education, parental responsibility, educational…

"Straight A's: Public Education Policy and Progress" is a biweekly newsletter that focuses on education news and events both in Washington, DC and around the country. The following articles are included in this issue: (1) See You Next Year: Congress Wraps Up for 2006, Delays Education Funding Decisions to 2007; (2) "Healthier and Wealthier":…

This volume focuses on school finance challenges in large urban school districts, fiscal accountability in these schools, and the fiscal dimensions of urban school reform. The 12 papers are (1) "School Finance and Urban Education Reform" (Christopher Roellke and Jennifer King Rice); (2) "Can Whole-School Reform Improve the…

This book presents 15 papers on charters, vouchers, and public education: (1) "Introduction: A New Direction in Public Education?" (Paul E. Peterson and David E. Campbell); (2) "Charter Schools: Taking Stock" (Chester E. Finn, Jr, Bruno V. Manno, and Gregg Vanourek); (3) "School Choice in Michigan" (Michael Mintrom…

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of competition on learning motivation among Chinese students in a classroom setting. The participants (N=52) were 7th-grade students from 2 Hong Kong secondary schools in a middle-lower class neighborhood. The students were randomly assigned to either competitive or non-competitive…

This monograph on charter schools and reform contains four chapters. The first chapter ("The Unfinished Goal and the Role of Interest Groups") discusses the history of the charter movement, its role, benefits, shortcomings, and the opposition to the movement from teacher unions. Charter schools have attracted support across the political spectrum…

In this paper we draw on data from a large mathematics competition, for the years 1987 to 2000 and use two different but closely related measures to investigate possible gender differences in performance. Our analyses revealed that small gender differences in favour of males persisted but had decreased over time. Consistent with reports from…

This monograph suggests that many of the fundamental aspects of the design and delivery of education are changing radically. At the same time, three forces are converging to destabilize educational institutions: a new generation of learners is rewriting the rules of service, technology is opening new frontiers, and a new breed of competitors is…

Four resegregation processes (norm-referenced testing, classroom grouping, classroom competition, busing rates) reinforce in student status relationships the stratifying effects of an Anglo-dominated school environment. These processes were studied using data gathered from case studies of 10 desegregated elementary schools in California in…

A study is described that shows how three different social theories might explain the growth of vocational interests among undergraduate students during the 1970s. Changes in undergraduate degree choices between the years 1970-71 and 1977-78 are described for all students and for men and women considered separately. (Author/MLW)

An alternative view to a 1979 study on institutional quality done by Astin and Solomon is presented. The study indicates significant changes in rank have occurred among the 25 most selective four-year undergraduate institutions. Kuh proposes naturalistic inquiry research. A rebuttal by Astin is appended. (MLW)

The constriction in career opportunities has increased competition in academe. Strategies, moves, and maneuvers toward advancement and promotion are offered. Included is information on relating institutional goals to personal goals, career planning, and dossier building. (Author/JMD)

Employee assistance programs at colleges and universities are increasingly called on to mediate in department politics and faculty disputes. Issues treated include competition among faculty, elitism, alcohol and drug abuse, favoritism, and work-related stress. Defusing personnel problems before they escalate has proven to be a good institutional…