To predict an at-risk group of kindergarten students, structured input from 34 parents was obtained, in addition to results of a standardized screening instrument. Results indicated that both parents' input and standardized tests contributed uniquely to the early identification of children at risk for not achieving in school. (Author/JDD)

This study examined multiple choice testing for formative and summative evaluation among sixth-grade inner-city students (N=568) who were assessed simultaneously, with forced choice and information based (confidence weighted) test scoring formats. Results are discussed, with emphasis on implications for teacher evaluation of low-achieving…

Middle-school social studies teachers (n=26) were observed to assess their use of reinforcement and corrections. Time-of-year effects showed a midyear deceleration of corrections, followed by an end-of-year increase. A midyear drop in reinforcement also was seen, with no year-end increase. Mainstreamed and low-ability students received greater…

Reviews empirical studies on the effects of computer use in education, covering research published up to mid-1988. Focuses on the issues of computer use effects at various grade levels, suitable types of programs, differences in usage in different programs, changes in students' attitudes, social effects, effects on low achievers, and future…

Thirty male juvenile delinquents and 90 male high achievers, low achievers, and students with behavior problems were compared using an adapted version of Harter's Perceived Competence Scale for Children. The Australian students (aged 12-15) were compared on 4 different domains of perceived competence--cognitive competence, social competence,…

A study of math instruction with and without a computer-assisted component (CAI) was conducted to determine the influence of teachers' attitudes on the achievement of 117 seventh-and eighth-grade remedial math students. Results indicate a major role for the teacher's personality in CAI and non-CAI interventions. (TJH)

The interaction of reading and computational abilities in solving mathematics word problems was investigated with the responses of about 20,000 fourth graders and 20,000 eighth graders to items from the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills. Item responses exhibited different types of interaction, a finding with implications for item-response theory…

Reviews research on youth motivation for visiting amusement arcades and on the relationship among the school achievement, socioeconomic status, and self-esteem of fourth graders. Implications for camp involve providing adolescents with unstructured leisure time with little overt adult supervision and providing early intervention for low-achieving…

Compared the effectiveness of two instructional conditions in a first-grade mathematics class: one comprised entirely of teacher-directed activities; the other including a supplemental peer practice activity. Found that both procedures were associated with divergent instructional processes and that supplemental practice with peers increased…

Two studies with a total of 153 junior and senior high-school students and vocational students in Finland investigated whether underachievers applied a self-handicapping or learned-helplessness strategy in achievement contexts. Underachievers seemed to apply a self-handicapping strategy rather than a learned-helplessness approach. (SLD)

A survey of 251 North Dakota parents of learning-disabled students found that retention occurred twice as frequently for students with learning disabilities as for the general student population. Parents of retained students tended to have lower educational aspirations for their children than did parents of nonretained students. Discusses…

This paper outlines a model of cognitive functioning and remedial direction, based upon an information integration approach and work in neuropsychology. The approach, used primarily with low-achieving and learning-disabled students, utilizes "bridging tasks" which are paired with specific global cognitive tasks to promote generalization…

The multiethnic nature of Dutch society is discussed, particularly the extent of educational underperformance among ethnic minority children. The possible role of language in this underperformance is examined in terms of bilingual education, home language instruction in primary schools, and government policy. (Author/LB)

Eye-movement registration was used to examine the influence of the semantic complexity of addition and subtraction word problems on response time and eye-fixation patterns of 10 high-ability and 10 low-ability second graders. Data provide evidence of the crucial role of semantic factors in word problem solving. (SLD)

Interviews with 128 administrators in 2 high-performing and 2 low-performing school districts in British Columbia (Canada) indicate a variety of collegial activities among principals and a productive ethos in high-performing districts that are lacking in low-performing districts. These create a climate for instructional improvement. (SLD)