In 1996, the Institute for Education and Social Policy at New York University began a 2-year policy study for the State Education Department (SED) of its Schools under Registration Review (SURR) process. The SED identifies and supports New York's low-performing schools for up to 3 years. Then schools that improve are removed from the SURR list,…

The concept of systemic school change as a comprehensive approach to raising academic achievement and preventing school dropouts in Massachusetts is summarized in this report. Following a description of systemic school change, reasons for adopting a systemic change approach are offered. Nine princples of systemic school change are provided,…

Research on Vygotsky's zone of proximal development theory was used as a foundation to investigate differences in the learning and transfer ability of 30 students with learning disabilities (LD) and 30 students with matched low achievement (LA), from grades 7 and 8. The two groups were assessed on their problem-solving ability on a balance scale…

A practicum aimed to improve the basic sight vocabulary of second grade Chapter 1 students by implementing poetry activities and dictionary skills. Eight students were introduced to a new poem and 2 vocabulary words each week, for 12 weeks, receiving 45 to 50 minutes of supplemental instruction, 4 days per week. Assignments were keyed to the…

A study investigated whether significant differences existed in reading achievement and self-concept among samples of above grade level readers, developmental readers, and below grade level readers. Forty children in two heterogeneously grouped fourth grade classes in a private school completed measures of reading achievement and self-concept. The…

This evaluation of the 1989-90 Cumulative Deficits in Basic Skills Program (CDBSP) in Washington (District of Columbia) public schools uses achievement gains on the Comprehensive Test of Basic Skills (CTBS) and teacher use of specially developed instructional materials to assess program effectiveness. Information was gathered from an analysis of…

The responses of first-grade students to seatwork assignments were studied through detailed narrative records, copies of seatwork performance, and informal conversations with the students about their work. Two distinct groups of students were identified for comparisons: those whose responses to seatwork were frequently poor (low attention and low…

Reports the results of a national survey that indicates a decline in science achievement equivalent to the loss of a half year of learning experience. Suggests some possible reasons for this decline. (GS) Aspect of National Assessment (NAEP) dealt with in this document: Results (Trends) (Interpretation).

Students who were unsuccessful in performing long division were taught to use a successive subtractions algorithm. (SD)

Defends teaching foreign languages to less able pupils, stating that such verbal education is even more important to them. Factors involved in language learning are examined (grammar, motivation, aural discrimination, memory), and solutions to learning problems of the less able are suggested. (CHK)

The Learning Improvement Program (LIP) at Eastfield College (Texas) teams up instructors, counselors, and paraprofessionals to provide various types of assistance for students identified by "early warning signs" as facing academic trouble. LIP is a prototype for integrating instruction and student personnel services. (Author/NHM)

The Summer Training and Education Program (STEP) provides 14 and 15 year olds with a paid summer experience that combines work, remediation in reading and math, and life skills instruction. This national, federally funded program is a response to data which show that poor academic performance and teenage pregnancy are important contributors to…

This pamphlet provides educators with a consumer's guide to private tutoring services in their communities. It includes a history of the tutoring tradition, methods used by tutoring services to show student progress, procedures for locating a tutor or tutoring service, criteria for selecting a tutoring service, a checklist for assessing tutoring…

This study report begins with a profile of marginal learners based on current research. It continues with a question-by-question analysis of a survey which was completed by 22 teachers identified as effective in working with marginal learners. The survey gathered information concerning: (1) teacher descriptions of marginal learners, including…