The attributions of third and sixth graders with low and high reading achievement were assessed in two reading situations. Major findings were: (1) sixth graders' locus of control scores varied across situations while third graders did not; (2) two causes--studying and paying attention--were particularly salient; and (3) age and achievement…

With the series "Advancement for Low-Wage Workers," Jobs for the Future seeks to elevate discussion of this critical issue within and outside the workforce field. These occasional papers address public policy and on-the-ground practice. "The Next Challenge," the series introduction, argues for placing not just employment, but also advancement at…

Effective schools should be superior in both enhancing students' achievement levels and reducing the gap between high- and low-achieving students in the school. However, the focus has been placed mainly on schools' achievement levels in most school effect studies. In this article, we attend to the school-specific achievement dispersion as well as…

In this paper we summarize the findings from five separate papers, with the goal of providing a more complete picture than is normally possible in a single paper, of the extent to which the variation in teacher characteristics contributes to minority achievement gaps. All five papers are based on a rich administrative data set that includes…

This report examines the work of 66 community groups organizing to improve public education in low-performing schools and districts. These largely local, community-based organizations focus on engaging public school parents, low-income families, and students in school improvement efforts. Their goals are to build political power and to challenge…

Here, author William A. Sampson examines the role of the family in the school preparation process among poor Blacks and Latinos. It is based upon the data collected during intense long-term observations of 21 disadvantaged minority students and families in their homes within the same community. The data suggests that the differences in…

This paper considers the effect of high stakes promotion tests on early high school dropout patterns. Analysis of data from the National Educational Longitudinal Survey of 1988, a nationally representative survey of 8th grade students in the United States, indicates that the presence of an 8th grade promotion test requirement is strongly…

In August 2004, Mobile County Public School System (MCPSS) in Alabama launched a bold new effort to transform its lowest achieving schools. The changes at George Hall Elementary testify to how the commitment of a district to aggressively address issues of systemic educational inequity can turn schools around. This report tells the story of the…

The Cognitive Enrichment Network Educational Program (COGNET) establishes a framework through which teaching staff, parents, and others work together to help at-risk children succeed in school and become effective, independent life-long learners. The model can be used for at-risk and underachieving students aged 4 through 12 in regular and special…

This paper uses data collected from the 50 states in year 2000 by the Consortium for Policy Research in Education (CPRE) to describe how states are holding schools accountable for student performance. The data collection process focused on policies in place during the 1999-2000 school year. Profiles prepared from this data represent the policy…

This report analyzes data provided by the Chicago Public School System, Illinois on Latino majority schools, noting implications for the Latino community. Data come primarily from school year 2000-2001 and include 140 elementary schools and 16 high schools. Findings describe the composition of the Latino majority according to student enrollment,…

This report reviews statistical data collected by the New York City (NYC) Board of Education (BOE) and New York State Education Department documenting the rise in school dropout rates among English Language Learners (ELLs) and their unacceptable educational outcomes, incorporating students' comments gathered during focus groups held with NYC high…

Knowing the facts about Hispanic students in the U.S. school system may help educators open their eyes to the fact that most Hispanic students are failing in schools. Teachers in one elementary school in the Bronx (New York City) were surveyed about their professional relationships and thoughts about the school and the parents and children they…

Discussion of the role of the school and its personnel toward children from disturbed homes. Condensed from "Kentucky School Journal, XLVIII (October 1969) p. 16, 34-35. (AP)

Reports a cohort analysis of achievement in reading, mathematics, and spelling for the Northern Cheyenne Behavior Analysis Model of Follow Through (Montana) for the 1979-80 school year. (FL)