Persistent gaps between the academic achievements of different groups of children are thoroughly documented by the U.S. National Assessment of Educational Progress and other statistical analyses of state assessments, grades, course selection, and dropout rates. Despite improvements in some years, the gap endures as a consistent and disturbing…

This study deals with a special phase of the education systems of five small nations that have contributed much to the advancement and civilization of mankind. These countries include Denmark, Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands, and Finland. They are highly literate peoples accustomed to self-government and capable of carrying it on effectively, a…

Reports the full results of the 1982 Gallup Poll of the public's attitude toward education. Topics covered include major problems confronting the schools, rating of the schools, federal funds, budget cutting, curriculum changes, special education, and federal control. (JM)

Five short articles and sidebars present elementary classroom tips, a Westward Movement simulation, technology in the classroom, parental involvement, student assessment, celebrating National Book Week, celebrating Geography Awareness Week, writing contests, antiviolence programs, map making, selecting software, monthly celebrations, a mathematics…

Examines relationships between student interests and aptitude in selected academic fields and their success in intensive courses on these subjects. Discusses a two-year study of 33 mathematics students and 32 literature students in the eighth and ninth grades in the Soviet Union. Shows that differentiated, intensive study did not strengthen…

Develops a gatekeeping theory by stepping inside the black box of Harvard university's admissions process. Stresses how political and organizational contexts influence selection (gatekeeping). Analyzes how student merit and social class-based factors mutually determine selection. Links an understanding of the organizational field with process…

Investigated book-reading habits of families and teachers to hearing impaired and normal hearing kindergarten children. Found that while there was no significant difference in the book-reading habits of the two groups to their children, hearing-impaired children's families are more careful in book choosing and reading to their children. (Author/SD)

Gender differences in participation and performance at "high stakes" examinations have received much public attention, which has often focused on mathematics and science subjects. This paper describes the innovative forms of assessment introduced into mathematics and science subjects within the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE)…

This article reports on a study that is concerned with surveying the aspirations of some students in an Australian Technical and Further Education (TAFE) College and developing strategies to address issues arising from the surveys. The study is essentially a series of surveys, thought it has an action learning aspect because of its developmental…

The Sunnyside Independent School District Board of Education selected Dr. Juan Martinez (pseudonym) as its new superintendent of schools by an unusually cohesive 7-0 vote in 2002. In describing the superintendent search, the local paper characterized the board as highly politicized and often divisive. So the board's unanimity in appointing Juan to…

This article investigates the benefits of girls-only classroom instruction in math and science during Grades 9 and 10, in the context of a public coeducational high school. It is based on a longitudinal investigation with 786 participants: 85 girls in all-girl classes, and 319 girls and 382 boys in a regular coeducational program. Preexisting…

This study developed a profile of college freshman children of immigrant parents and identified differences in the entering characteristics of these students and the freshman children of native born parents. Data from the Cooperative Institutional Research Program survey were evaluated for 97 freshmen with foreign-born parents and 334 freshmen…

This guide contains reviews of 49 selected books and pamphlets of special interest to women that were identified as good Canadian materials for women learning to read by a working group of the Canadian Congress for Learning Opportunities for Women. Among the types of materials reviewed are the following: books about contraception and reproductive…

This report presents final proposals of five transition groups that gave shape to the recommendations of the Australian National Training Authority Ministerial Council relating to bringing training providers and their clients more closely together. Section 2 discusses simplifying processes and structures, through national structures, closer…

The collective bargaining agreement between the Board of Trustees of Washington Community College District 17 and the District 17 Association for Higher Education (AHE) is presented, covering all academic employees employed by Spokane Community College, Spokane Falls Community College, and the Institute for Extended Learning. This contract,…