The Project Alternative Rooms (PARs) in Kansas City is a modified Chapter 1 program in which students receive instruction in self-contained double-staffed classrooms rather than being "pulled out" of regular classrooms. Includes a table. (MD)

Discussing the use of tracking (grouping students with similar abilities), the author illustrates the positive side of this often criticized classroom practice. Appropriate tracking accommodates individual differences while motivating students. (MD)

Presents results from a followup study of students who participated in Project Follow Through, an innovative program in direct instruction established in innercity and rural elementary grades throughout the country in 1968 by the United States Office of Education. These students scored higher on standardized tests, dropped out less, and applied to…

The principal of a Montana elementary school using direct instruction methods discusses the positive results students and school are experiencing as a result of the students' reading success. (MD)

The Ohio Department of Education through collaboration with local schools and teacher training institutions developed use of the New Zealand Reading Recovery Program (one-on-one reading instruction) for high-risk first graders. Results have been remarkable; 90 percent of the at-risk students reached average level reading skills after 30 to 40…

Reviews educational research on bilingual education and describes biases present in recent evaluations of bilingual programs. Contrary to assumptions about bilingual programs, recent findings suggest that native-language programs may be very effective. They support a strong foundation in the native language and set the basis for subsequent…

To address the issue of at-risk students, school systems must reexamine the value structure of schools and determine whether it is still valid. Curriculum developers need to be aware of socioeconomic class variables and develop school environments with a balanced perspective that enhance achievement for all students. (MD)

The Paterson, New Jersey, schools developed the Cognitive Instruction Project (CIP) to improve academic achievement among the urban poor in the early elementary grades. Provides a detailed description of the design and implementation of the project. Includes references. (MD)

Challenges 15 popular beliefs held about students and optimal learning environments by citing data from studies of student learning styles. Individual learning styles vary, and academic achievement can be improved by providing flexible teaching styles and classroom environments where students can match their learning styles. Includes extensive…

The Lake Washington School District (WA) has developed a successful peer tutoring program for elementary and secondary students. Identifies the characteristics of successful tutoring programs, how to start a program, recruitment and scheduling needs, selection of tutors and learners, and how to maintain tutor involvement. Includes a table and…

Drawing from research on at-risk students, a general model for the development of alternative programs of the school-within-a-school for at-risk secondary students is presented. Outlines the characteristics for the program under administration, teacher culture, student culture, and curriculum. A sidebar cites characteristics of exemplary…

Describes the Enterprise High (Michigan) program for school dropouts. Supported by the United States Department of Labor, the program centers on teaching students how to earn a living and how to manage life. Includes an outline of the school's basics and references. (MD)

Discusses the ways early research on student dropout rate has been misinterpreted in relation to the dropout rate of gifted students. The rate of 18 percent continues to be cited but is incorrect. (MD)

Outlines the most current statistics and demographics on the increase in poverty since 1980 in the United States, the increase of single parent families headed by women, and the increasing number of children who live in poverty (currently 21 percent). The reasons for the increased poverty are cited as due to government neglect. (MD)

Discusses five methods of teacher evaluation used by progressive districts: (1) evaluation is linked to research on effective teaching; (2) evaluators receive improved training; (3) administrators are accountable for conducting evaluations; (4) evaluation-identified teacher deficiencies are used to focus staff development; and (5) teachers…