Improving graduation rates among U.S. elementary and secondary school students requires that one be able to detect which students are at greatest risk for dropping out. There may be a variety of social and psychological differences between those who leave and those who graduate, but there is also evidence that those who abandon school are…

This study examined factors that influence the relative academic attainment of males and females and how good performance by both genders can be achieved. The study involved a review of literature and policy documents, statistical analysis of official data, a questionnaire survey of local authorities, and case studies of six secondary schools in…

This report examines factors that must be considered in the development of effective educational programs that serve Hispanic students. The educational crisis facing Hispanic students has been discussed at length at local, state, regional, and national levels, and a number of reports have documented problems confronting these students. This report…

Voucher plans are proposed because the public schools are perceived to be failing too many students. The use of vouchers is suggested as a threat to low-achieving schools, although it is not always clear where the responsibility for failure lies. The school and its administrators may not be doing all they could, or the public may be to blame for…

Three earlier published reports (Erland, 1999c, 1999d, 1998) of a two school (Schools 1 & 2), 14 classroom, grades 4-8 study, reported large gains evidenced by the Brain-Based-Accelerated Learning (AL) application of The Bridge To Achievement (BTA). Eleven BTA/AL experimental groups were compared with two control groups from School 2 having an…

This report describes five state systems of support in low-performing schools. Discussion of each state system includes a description of the accountability system, the process for identifying low-performing schools, funding resources available, the technical assistance provided, the provider of that assistance, and the resources used to support…

This study used M. Ford's (1992) conception of motivation to examine whether the factors that motivate students to achieve function differently for high, medium, and low ability learners in social studies classrooms. Participants were a diverse sample of 600 10th grade world history students. Data sources included student surveys, a…

This study examines the potential for city and state takeovers to turn around low performing schools, utilizing diverse empirical measures to gauge the initial impact of city/state school district takeover reform in four districts. Data come from the U.S. Department of Education, Bureau of Labor Statistics, state departments of education, local…

This paper describes what new Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) data can show about U.S. schools, states, and public education. All achievement data in this report are taken from school report cards available on state education agency web sites. Demographic data are taken from school report cards, school web sites, the U.S. Department of Educations…

This volume makes the case for using culturally responsive teaching to improve the school performance of underachieving students of color. Key components of culturally responsive teaching are discussed. The chapters are: (1) "Challenges and Perspectives"; (2) "Power Pedagogy through Cultural Responsiveness"; (3) "The Power…

This policy brief presents an in-depth look at the issue of grade-retention in Texas, reviews research that finds this practice to be ineffective, and outlines alternatives to both retention and social promotion. In-grade retention has been a recurrent theme in education over the last 30 years, and it is currently linked to calls for higher…

The effectiveness of training in metacognitive techniques on the academic self-efficacy of students was studied in a population of college students deemed "at risk" because of low scores on the ACT Assessment. Six students completed the 8-week training in metacognitive skills. The study null hypothesis was that knowledge about metacognition would…

This brief examines student achievement in California. It describes California's evolving accountability and assessment mechanisms and how they interrelate today with new federal accountability requirements. It presents WestEd's analysis of achievement scores on state as well as national tests. Finally, it draws four conclusions: California…

Some of the problems confronting the counseling psychologist in high risk programs are considered here, including approaches to counseling, remediation and administrative issues. (Author)

A massive international study is shedding new light on one of today's most sensitive questions: What really accounts for differences in children's academic achievement? The author offers a summary of recent research and speculation. (Author)