Presents examples of how using technology can help raise self-esteem and improve academic performance for students who are identified as being at-risk. Topics discussed include the use of computer labs, filmstrips, and videos to strengthen academic skills, and to deal with such social issues as drop-outs, alcoholism, pregnancy, and suicide. Two…

Describes a program to improve problem-solving skills of children by incorporating parents as partners in cooperative learning experiences with the children. Research results indicate that students working with parental partners displayed higher problem-solving ability on posttests than those not working with partners. (MDH)

This paper presents data gathered as part of an evaluation study of a grant-making initiative undertaken by a national organization involved with Jewish day schooling. The initiative disbursed grants to 30 established Jewish day schools for use during the 2002-2003 school year. The goal of the initiative was to encourage and support day schools to…

Due to the dearth of qualified professional teachers, policymakers and professional development programs need to focus on improving the quality of high school mathematics teaching in order to diffuse this crisis. In the middle of this crisis, the demand for new teachers is predicted to rise significantly in the next ten years. Based on the…

This article describes a school improvement initiative involving five primary schools (ages 5-11 years) working in partnership with each other with support from a university department of education. It provides evidence of the benefits to be gained from teachers sharing and developing collective knowledge through participation in school-based…

This is an overview and synthesis of the Learning and Skills Development Agency's (LSDA's) research and support activity that applies to 14-19 year olds. It pulls together various strands of activity within LSDA between 2000 and 2005 to provide a comprehensive picture of the publications relating to this age group. It is designed for use by…

On June 15, 2006, the Pathways to College Network, the Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP), and the Social Science Research Council (SSRC) convened more than 135 education leaders, policymakers, policy-shapers, researchers, practitioners, and others from 27 states and the District of Columbia to discuss issues of critical importance to…

Beginning in 1995, the Michigan Department of Education sponsored pilot projects at the state's community colleges to develop curricular learning models and/or courses that integrate liberal arts or general education into vocational programs, identify and document faculty collaboration between liberal arts and occupational programs, and determine…

This policy analysis report on the Dade County Public Schools was written as part of an Honors Student Mentor Group sponsored by the Institute for Public Policy and Citizenship Studies. The students visited several schools, conducting personal interviews with staff and students, and reviewed statistical sources on a weekly basis under the guidance…

This Elementary and Secondary Education Act Title VII project was designed to increase English Language proficiency in limited English proficient students in Lau categories A, B, and C (non-English speaking, English as a second language, or bilingual). The intensive, 9-month program included both English language instruction and teacher training…

The administration of the High School Proficiency Test (HSPT) in the Trenton (New Jersey) School District and the impact of a voluntary summer tutorial program on HSPT scores were examined. New Jersey requires that all ninth graders take the HSPT, and that all school districts achieve a 75 percent passing rate to become state-certified. The same…

This summary outline presents performance evaluation procedures of the 1986-87 administrator accountability plan adopted by the Council Bluffs Community Schools, Iowa. Procedures ensure that a cooperative evaluation plan is established, there is continuity between evaluation cycles, guidance and assistance are provided, and due process is…

The purpose of this paper is to provide information to help decide whether Feuerstein's "Instrumental Enrichment" (FIE) technique (or some variation of it) might be useful in teaching leadership-relevant thinking skills to prospective Army leaders. This paper examines some 35 reports of FIE research conducted in Israel, Venezuela,…

The School Effectiveness Structural Components Inventory (SESCI) was designed to assess structural elements in a school environment that contribute to effectiveness. The preliminary validation took place in 12 elementary schools in or near a large metropolitan school district. The schools were classified by overall school socioeconomic status, as…

Key concepts from theory and research on student learning are discussed, and a conceptual framework to promote the design of local instructional improvement efforts is presented. The objective is to advocate that institutional researchers focus more directly on the basic issues of teaching and learning and to suggest that improving instructional…