This study analyzes the turnover of principals in the Chicago (Illinois) Public Schools since the passage of the Chicago School Reform Act (CSRA) of 1989, and analyzes racial patterns in the recent retention of principals by Local School Councils (LSCs). The following key conclusions are reported: (1) a high percentage of principalships (about 30…

Reaching an employee whose job performance is deteriorating due to substance abuse, personal concerns or emotional problems, is one of the most difficult and most avoided tasks presented supervisors, coworkers and/or union stewards. Yet, when such problems do exist and do effect job performance, (and perhaps the work and safety of coworkers) clear…

Recent studies in counselor training have focused on the trainee/supervisor relationship, with little empirical research on the supervisor and trainee qualities that may contribute to a successful experience. To explore the supervisor and trainee characteristics that may contribute to high quality training, 40 pairs of trainees and supervisors in…

This report describes the results of a survey designed to explore the problem of deficiencies in the basic skills of secondary school students. Three perspectives were sought: that of the corporate sector, of labor unions, and of school systems. Information in the report is based on (1) survey returns from nearly 200 businesses and 123 school…

Many tests which attempt to produce intelligence quotient or mental age scores for children rely on time taken to complete the task for a valid result to be obtained. A number of tests were carried out with both Down's Syndrome and normal children (128 Down's Syndrome; 162 normal) in order to determine (1) relative abilities to complete the tasks…

The statistical results of administering a newly developed student rating scale of instructor effectiveness at the University of South Florida (USF) are analyzed, and the development and refinement of the scale are described. The scale was originally developed during the fall 1981 semester and was administered to 1,115 USF students. The scale…

Intended for use by state library officials with policy responsibilities, this report presents a process for determining state levels of adequacy of public library services, measuring the current statewide performance, and planning statewide strategies for improving performance. Several facets of library service and resources are addressed, and…

A study attempted to: (1) identify principals' perceptions of their occupational responsibilities and their academic preparation to function in these areas; (2) determine significant relationships between perceptions of preparation and perceptions of difficulty; and (3) determine significant differences among the perceptions of groups of…

As a consequence of a validation study based on over 200 skilled technicians employed in engine manufacturing, seven aptitude tests were administered to 50 applicants in June 1982. This report presents correlations between test scores and three criteria (math grades, job performance ratings, and a composite) for the 26 people who entered the…

Opinions and research findings differ on two fundamental aspects about a teacher's impact in the classroom: the amount students learn, and the process of instruction. Although consensus is lacking, faculty evaluations are widely used by administrators in such matters as promotions, tenure, and merit increases. Studies of college students'…

If one assumes that the purpose of education is to change student behavior as a result of some definite course of instruction, then an objective of educational research should be to determine what procedures or techniques best produce the desired behavioral changes. If a course has been effective, then there could be a large number of components…

Modules, Audio-Tutorials, and Contracts are the three components of an integrated system of instruction which has transformed a traditional junior college into a community-based, performance-oriented people's college. This method individualizes instruction, reduces attrition, and virtually eliminates "D" and "F" grades. (DC)

The meanings of the words grammar and linguistics have undergone a multitude of changes in the last years, but teachers should continue to teach linguistics and formal grammar in the schools. (JH)

A description of ecologically valid, authentic, and integrated performance-based assessment instruments of different lengths was undertaken to measure the extent by which students meet Connecticut's Common Core of Learning (CCL) objectives. The description focuses on the students' knowledge and general understanding of science and mathematics;…

Preschool and first-grade children's story production was studied. Participants were 96 children who were asked to relate stories about two familiar events: baking cookies and taking a trip to the beach. Story events were depicted in line drawings in a coloring book. Half the sample was assigned to a preview condition in which children narrated…