The purpose of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of audio tapes when used by poor readers to aid in reading their textbook. Forty-three students, primarily low achievers, were randomly assigned to each of three groups. The course followed a Biological Sciences Curriculum Study (BSCS) book, Patterns and Processes. All sections were taught…

This review of the literature on student tutoring considers four questions: 1) are there patterns of cross-age, cross-culture, or cross-ability which increase or decrease the tutoring effectiveness? 2) does a highly-structured, controlled program mean better results than informal tutoring? 3) is the level of learning actually raised for both tutor…

This booklet augments earlier reports describing projects in mathematics for the educationally disadvantaged in New York State. Actual lesson preparation and classroom implementation are stressed. Projects represented include Mathematics Pilot Program, Individually Prescribed Instruction, and Plus Program. Other lessons concern cognition and…

The results of the Mathematics Skills Improvement Project used with about 2,000 low-achieving students in grades three through six are reported. The services of 35 mathematics consultants were provided for 36 schools. Data obtained (using the California Test of Basic Skills) on pupil achievement for one year in the project indicated that project…

Fifth graders who were poor at solving word problems in arithmetic were given special training in how to attack these problems; however, the short-term training program did not bring significant improvement in the children's problem-solving ability. (Editor/MM)

There is both intuitive and hard evidence which suggests that the quality of human learning has been shaped by evolution, biology, and genetics. Consideration of genetic argument applied to learning processes, however, leads to models of education more optimistic about the role of schooling than those derived from a genetic abilities-based theory.…

Low achievers get involved in intuitive mathematics by discovering geometric relationships through the use of pentamino puzzles. (JT)

To solve the problems of low achieving students, it is important to change the quality of teaching instruction. Cognitive instruction is presented as a critical component for this large scale-change. Includes extensive references. (MD)

Recent research suggests parental involvement in education can be particularly helpful for children from families with low incomes. Parents who do not know how to help will almost always do what teachers ask them. Suggesting specific activities and letting parents know they can contribute to their child's progress are emphasized. (MT)

Findings from a comparison of two samples of school age children, one sample (N=40) identified as learning disabled (LD), the other comprised of low achievers (N=51), indicated few psychometric differences. Many LD students did not meet federal definition guidelines, and many low achievers did meet the guidelines. (MC)

The present study was designed to test whether a group of teachers given a revised form of Achievement Motivation Training, a course intended to change the motivation tension system of the course participants, could, in turn, by training students outside of their regular school activity, generate a measurable improvement in their academic…

The purpose of this report is to identify and clarify design issues that are critical in the creation of an accountability system, and can contribute to improved teaching and student learning. Since student achievement is at the heart of the current accountability movement, a number of issues addressed in this report are concerned with how…

Developed by educators in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin, public schools, this book shows ways to engage students in high quality work, reveal information about students that cannot be seen through standardized tests, and help students become responsible for their own academic growth. The Assessment Portfolios described are used in 21 Milwaukee schools…

A central goal of "America Reads Challenge" sites is to serve children who most need help in reading. These children can include Title I children, children with disabilities, linguistically and culturally diverse children, migrant children, and preschool children. This booklet provides tip sheets on finding and serving these children, so…

This baseline report presents classroom observation data collected during Spring 2002 in elementary and secondary mathematics and science classrooms using a sample drawn from the lowest performing schools in the district. The report also includes Los Angeles Urban Systemic Program (LAUSP) professional development workshop data from the first seven…