Explores nontraditional associating factors for accruement of mathematical skills during the first year of college using a model for calculating mathematics gain that controlled for ceiling effects and nonlinearity. A nationally representative sample of first-year college students was tested by gender and ethnicity. There were marked differences…

A longitudinal study of 118 high ability Budapest children (ages 12-14) investigated family influences on child development. Three case studies are described that illustrate the differences in the sensitivity with which the parents recognized the various demands of their able children and how they responded to them. (Contains nine references.) (CR)

A study examined two strategies for increasing the accuracy with which five elementary teachers implemented a peer tutoring intervention for students with reading difficulties. Four teachers implemented the intervention at levels substantially above baseline during the performance feedback condition. Student reading comprehension scores improved…

Discusses the use of authentic assessment during creative learning activities in kindergarten classrooms to document growth and support further learning. Provides an example of how authentic assessment was used to document the social progress of one child during kindergarten. Concludes that authentic assessment of children's activities and…

Examined similarities and differences in teacher and principal perceptions of the effects of two state-level rewards and sanctions programs. Interviews with teachers, principals, and other administrators, and surveys of principals, indicated that overall, salary bonuses with sanctions linked to a comprehensive education reform initiative more…

Energy performance contracting allows schools to pay for needed new energy equipment and modernization improvements with savings from reduced utility and maintenance costs. Improved energy efficiency reduces demand for burning fossil fuels, which reduces air pollution, leading to improved learning environments and budgets (through improved average…

Over four weeks, 81 secondary students with learning disabilities were tested on four parallel mathematics performance assessments, each under a different condition: standard administration, teacher-read, computer-read, and computer-read with video. Results indicated that providing a reader, either human or computer, increased scores on…

Extended the application of student evaluations of college faculty by using them as the basis for staff development. Staff and student surveys examined each group's priorities for academic and course development. Significant differences were found between the two groups' perceptions. Collaborative student-staff groups developed booklets using…

Reviews public school system of education; describes school management companies (nonprofit, for profit) and their fiduciary duties; discusses monitoring the performance of school management companies; describes legal mechanisms and remedies (tort, contract, agency, and constitutional law) for holding school management companies accountable.…

Discusses the productivity and work days of white collar workers. Topics include productivity improvement; task analysis; the amount of time spent reading, and how to reduce it by improving writing skills; time spent in meetings; empowered time management; and sustaining a climate for change. (LRW)

Study looked at whether there was a distinction between performance-approach and performance-avoidance goal orientation in elementary and junior high students (N=451). In addition, it tested a model that examined the relationship between students' implicit theories of intelligence, goal orientations, perceived competence, and achievement. Implicit…

This article discusses the results of a case study that investigated the effectiveness of an auditory prompting system, using earphones and a cassette, to improve on-task job performance of an adult with mild mental retardation. Guidelines for working with adults and student to improve job and task performance are provided. (Contains references.)…

A study examined specific word- and sentence-level features most frequently used in the expository writing of 87 college students with learning disabilities, 50 with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, 58 with both disabilities, and 92 controls. Very high correlations were found between verbosity, quality, and lexical complexity. (Contains…

Considers the suitability of criteria-specific rating scales in the selection of high school students for participation in an honors ensemble. Criteria-specific music-performance rating scales include written descriptions of specific levels of performance rather than simple numerical notations. Concludes that these scales can be used with…

Investigates the effects of conducting instruction on beginning band students' individual rhythmic performance, group rhythmic performance, group performance of legato and staccato, and group performance of phrasing and dynamics. The students represented diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Concludes the conducting instruction is a useful tool…