Discusses "backward design," a strategy for planning curriculum and school improvement by first thinking carefully about desired results and then working backward to develop meaningful assessments and learning plans. For this design to work, educators must identify desired results, analyze multiple sources of data, and determine appropriate action…

Discusses how schools can avoid mistakes in building their school-improvement plans. The two most common mistakes are (1) using measures of student learning that are not sensitive to the actual learning occurring, and (2) having no system for interpreting and using the data. (Contains 1 figure and 11 references.) (WFA)

Discusses data warehousing, which provides information more fully responsive to local, state, and federal data needs. Such a system allows educators to generate reports and analyses that supply information, provide accountability, explore relationships among different kinds of data, and inform decision-makers. (Contains one figure and eight…

Discusses how connecting instruction, professional development, and student learning can make the difference between successful and unsuccessful data use. Uses a case-study approach to show that by acknowledging that implementation occurs over time, schools can safeguard against discarding new instructional practices prematurely. (Contains one…

Asserts that collecting assessment data from students is key to shaping effective instruction. Both informal and formal data about student learning not only shape instruction but also determine its effectiveness. Contends that continuous assessment that drives curriculum is a means of enhancing student and teacher performance. (Contains seven…

A sampling of student assessment and accountability in selected countries to help put trends in the United States in perspective. Examines national student assessments in England, France, and Hong Kong. Also looks at several international collaborative assessment projects for reading literacy, mathematics, and science. (Contains 10 references.)…

Looks at the growing trend of mental-health specialists in schools to address the psychological needs of students. Discusses the traditional approach, in which the mental-health specialist functions as an outside consultant advising teachers, and the nontraditional approach, in which the specialist provides direct services to students. (WFA)

Describes how to use quizzes, tests, writing assignments, and other assessments to improve instruction and help students learn. Suggests that instead of teaching to the test, teachers test what they teach and follow assessments with corrective instruction. Also discusses the benefits of assessments. (Contains 14 references.) (WFA)

Expresses the importance of scientifically based research in education reform and explains how to judge the validity of educational research. Describes control groups, randomized and matched experiments, statistical educational significance, sample size, and the difference between scientifically based and rigorously evaluated research. (Contains…

A review of some of the most important educational research of the past 50 years. Re-establishes how noted researchers and their research-based formulations have influenced U.S. Supreme Court decisions; curriculum and instruction; early childhood education; and policies regarding small class size, standards-based reform, and productivity.…

Calls for simplicity when presenting data on student achievement. Data should help teachers improve teaching and learning, and focus on specific goals such as determining how many students are succeeding in a subject and, within that subject, what are the areas of strength or weakness. (Contains 22 references.) (WFA)

Argues that schools will largely fail in their efforts to improve the moral and emotional growth of students if they do not attend to the moral and ethical development of teachers, especially urban teachers, who suffer from depression and disillusionment, the two primary causes of which are isolation and stress induced by problem students.…

Describes basic facts and common myths about bullying. Covers the key principles of the Olweus Bulling Prevention Program. Discusses the results of research-based evaluations of the Olweus Program. Describes Norway's recent national initiative against bullying, which includes the use of the Olweus Program in a large number of elementary and junior…

Describes research on the harmful effects students suffer from bullying, verbal harassment, and psychology maltreatment, including isolation, fear, and corruption. Discusses adult responsibility to protect students victimized by such treatment and describes essential components of intervention efforts based on adult supervision of student…

Describes several common misconceptions about bullying. For example, everyone knows what bullying is; boys will be boys. Discusses development and implementation of bullying prevention strategies to make playgrounds and hallways safe by improving supervision, developing specific routines, and incorporating social-emotional learning. Also…