Discusses numerous variables in and out of the classroom, beyond the control of the teacher, that have great impact on the learning process. Considers classroom interruption, changes in the family unit, heterogeneous grouping in classes, and the change in the level of involvement by parents with education--all of which make excellence in education…

The instructionally effective school is a function of six factors: teacher characteristics and behavior, administrator characteristics and behavior, student body composition, school learning climate, pupil evaluation, and curriculum material. This article discusses these factors, how their relative importance can be measured, and some of their…

Available research disproves a number of myths concerning educational quality, but the myths continue to influence educational reform efforts. The three categories of reform that could actually prove effective all affect teachers directly: salary raises, improved working conditions, and alterations in the professional structure of teaching. (PGD)

Describes the structure and internal dynamics of Israeli residential schools and the change processes that have developed in recent decades. Concludes that the residential schools reflect the larger community outside and provide a second chance for many students to learn to function effectively yet autonomously. (KH)

Provides background and reviews research for "time-on-task" oriented approaches to instructional effectiveness. Following an examination of four possible approaches to increasing a student's active learning time, the author cautions that the relationship of time to learning is a complex one involving a number of variables. (JBM)

The rationale, implementation, and impact of the Promotional Gates Program are reported by a New York City Board of Education executive director. The program combines a stiffened promotion policy with special remedial services for students failing to meet minimal standards at grades four and seven. (MJL)

The research on effective schools provides an opportunity for federally supported school improvement. A new challenge to policymakers will be presented by the satellite delivery of a totally engineered learning environment to subscribing homes. (MLF)

Broad-based effective schools research suggests a school excellence model attributing student achievement to principal leadership, a positive school climate, the primacy of basic skills, high teacher expectations, an assessment and monitoring system, and the integration and coordination of the real and ideal curriculum and student assessment. (DCS)

Reaffirming Reagan administration policies on education and educational reform, the author proposes three priorities and four performance goals for American education over the next five years focusing on literacy, mathematics skills, civic instruction, the "five new basics," standardized test scores, dropout rates, and professional…

Reviews the history and conclusions of school effectiveness research, which focuses on student achievement, and of school improvement research, which emphasizes educational innovation per se; analyzes the methodologies of these two lines of inquiry. Distills from both bodies of literature seven school characteristics that constitute excellence.…

A survey of 39 schools in five states compared teachers' and principals' perceptions of the six most important functions of the principalship in maximizing school effectiveness. The study revealed that human resource management has the greatest impact on teachers' job satisfaction and performance. (TE)

In 1998, The Cleveland Foundation developed a strategy to support select Cleveland area charter schools as part of its commitment to local school reform. The Cleveland Foundation provided start-up funding to four charter schools it deemed both promising and viable. In 2000, The Cleveland Foundation contracted with The Evaluation Center to provide…

Throughout the United States the debate has been frequent, intense, and at times adversarial over how to fund education adequately. Maine has been trying to identify higher performing schools in the hope that practices that contribute to success at higher performing schools can be adapted at similar schools throughout the state. The 1997…

The 2004-05 school year was tumultuous for charter schools, marked by dueling studies with conflicting conclusions on whether charter schools boost student performance or hinder it. Even before this dustup occurred, a consortium of foundations decided to support a new national research center to raise the standard of research on charter schools…

This reference guide outlines what is new for educational programs under the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001. It also describes how the NCLB's four guiding principles--(1) focus on what works; (2) reduce bureaucracy and increase flexibility; (3) increase accountability for student performance; and (4) empower parents--are brought to bear…