Many students in standard college preparatory programs are not reaching their potential levels of achievement. The purpose of this study is to determine the need for and possible content of a course for improving the academic performance of these students. The study was conducted in the spring of 1986 at Marshfield High School, Massachusetts.…

Does homework increase academic achievement? The best answer, in 1986, is that large-scale correlational studies at the secondary level suggest a strong, positive relationship between amount of homework and academic achievement. Results are less clear at the elementary level, but the weight of evidence is positive. At both elementary and secondary…

Using the data from the High School and Beyond Transcript Survey for 1980 sophomores who graduated from high school by fall 1982, the course grade distributions are compared for the following major instruction program categories: English, mathematics, social sciences, physical sciences, life sciences, and foreign languages (academic courses);…

A study compared the scores of Catholic and public school students at three different grade levels on educationally pertinent characteristics such as race, ability, level of parental education, amount of homework, and high school curricular track. Subjects, approximately 2,000 Catholic school students and 30,000 public school students in grades 3,…

This study tests the effects on student achievement and attitude of two methods of reviewing homework problems in mathematics. One review procedure involved solving and explaining each homework problem the day after an assignment was made. In the second procedure, only the problems that students requested to have reviewed were covered. Two Algebra…

The relationship of self-reported study behaviors, affect toward the course, test anxiety, and past achievement to final examination performance were investigated. Subjects were students in Education who enrolled in an undergraduate measurement course. Six study behavior factors in combination with the affect, anxiety, and past achievement…

A four-stage model, designed to shape learning disabled students' independent study skills and foster generalization of skills is presented: (1) ease students into a homework routine; (2) focus on time management; (3) teach problem-solving techniques; and (4) conclude in independent study with intermittent parent and teacher monitoring. (CB)

Presents new research which takes advantage of two nationally representative data bases. Results show that mother's employment and living in a one-parent family can have negative effects on school achievement, but that these effects differ by age, race, and family structure. Results also show the importance of mediating variables such as income…

Provides a conceptual and methodological critique of Milne's article (SO515520). Provides an alternative analysis of the data, showing that structural, attitudinal, and socioeconomic determinants of mother's employment substantially diminish the effects noted by Milne. (JDH)

Provides a rebuttal and final rejoinder to the articles by Milne and Heyns. Recognizes problems with the data base and provides additional analyses to demonstrate the effects reported in the original article. (JDH)

Building of character and promoting positive behavior is an important part of every afterschool program. Besides the basics of homework help and physical fitness activities, afterschool programs are using teamwork exercises, service learning, volunteerism and other activities to teach kids about making the right decisions that will help them…

The middle school years can be important for developing student attitudes about learning, school, and careers. However, it is often difficult to involve parents in working with middle schools to help adolescents form positive attitudes toward school and science. This exploratory study investigates a method of potentially having all of a teacher's…

The effects of classroom assessment environment (CAE) variables on yearly achievement in mathematics and science in grades 7 through 12 were studied through the Longitudinal Study of American Youth (LSAY), using cohorts of approximately 3,000 students each in the 7th and 10th grades who were followed for 4 years. While the LSAY did not include all…

This digest explains five homework strategies appropriate for use with students who have disabilities and which are supported by research. These strategies are: (1) give clear and appropriate assignments (specific tips from both teachers and students are offered); (2) make homework accommodations (eight common accommodations are listed); (3) teach…

This report provides K-12 educators with instructional strategies that research shows have the greatest likelihood of positively affecting student learning. The 12 chapters include: (1) "Introduction"; (2) "Identifying Similarities and Differences (comparing, classifying, creating metaphors, and creating analogies); (3)…