Discusses the status of reading instruction in Nigerian primary schools, focusing on methods of instruction, class organization, books used, the role of the Ministry of Education, reading in Nigerian languages, as well as some problems in the teaching of reading. (RAE)

Although California ranked sixth in 1983 per capita income, the state ranks 23rd in 1984-85 public school expenditures per pupil and 50th in student-teacher ratios. To address underfunding and class size problems, a Trust Fund for School Improvement is needed to coordinate fragmented funding sources for well-planned local projects. Included are 10…

The mathematics lesson of 63 Year 5 Australian teachers were observed over a term. A casual model linking student, school, and teacher background information, class size, teaching practices, and mean class mathematics achievement was developed for testing the relationship between class size, teaching practices, and student achievement. (Author/JAZ)

A search for systematic extraneous influences upon high school student ratings of teacher effectiveness is reported, with the view of demonstrating how such influences meeting the criteria (student motivation/preference and class size) need to be considered in the evaluation of the validity of such ratings. (PN)

"R&D Alert" covers issues affecting schools in the Western Regional Educational Laboratory's four-state region--Arizona, California, Nevada, and Utah--and throughout the United States. WestEd researchers and assistance providers have been focused on secondary education for many years. This issue of "R&D Alert" goes beyond describing the problem…

Recommendations for the aggressive recruitment of minority teachers are based on hypothesized role model effects for minority students as well as evidence of racial bias among non-minority teachers. However, prior empirical studies have found little or no association between exposure to an "own-race" teacher and level of student…

This report summarizes research on the effects of class size reduction, outlines lessons learned from large-scale class size reduction initiatives in California and Wisconsin, and draws out implications of the research and lessons for class size reduction in North Carolina. The evidence that smaller classes promote increased learning is strongest…

This study assessed demographic information on early childhood programs and teachers of 3- and 4-year-olds. Questionnaires were sent to a random sample of early childhood programs across the United States. Data were collected on teacher characteristics and structural features (enrollment, class size, hours of operation, and ratio of teachers to…

During 1999/2000, the Saginaw, Michigan public schools implemented a reduced class size program in grades 1 and 2. At grade 1 (23 rooms), reduced-size classes were maintained at no more than 18 pupils; at grade 2 (5 rooms), the limit was 21 pupils. Comparison classes were identified to assess the impact of the program. Students in both conditions…

This report provides information on how federal funding is being used to reduce class size and to spur academic achievement in U.S. urban schools, focusing on the federal Class Size Reduction Program signed into law in 1998. Data from surveys of 40 members of the Council of the Great City Schools, a coalition of the U.S.'s largest urban public…

In this study we test the performance of some nonexperimental estimators of impacts applied to an educational intervention--reduction in class size--where achievement test scores were the outcome. We compare the nonexperimental estimates of the impacts to "true impact" estimates provided by a random-assignment design used to assess the…

Effective use of available human resources for improving an institution's viability in a retrenchment economy is advocated, with reference to small developing institutions. The use of temporary and part-time faculty is discussed as well as faculty release time and the effects of class size. (Author/SF)

Suggestions are offered for improving the conditions under which English is taught in secondary schools in France. Scheduling, class size, in-service training needs, and teaching methods are treated. The importance of test-oriented instruction in determining students' language proficiency is discussed. (JB)

A study tested a resampling methodology (bootstrap simulation) by examining the effects of class size and student motivation on students' ratings of teaching effectiveness. Results suggest that evaluations based on student ratings should look at more than class averages, and that class size and student motivation affect overall ratings. Examples…

A severe space crunch and dismal academic performance prompted a Texas school district to adopt multitrack year-round education. Six years later, crowding is under control and test scores and attendance are up. In an interview, the superintendent and assistant superintendent discuss the district's success with this controversial schedule. (MLF)