This quasi-experimental study compared the effects of morphemic and contextual analysis instruction (MC) with the effects of textbook vocabulary instruction (TV) that was integrated into social studies textbook lessons. The participants were 157 students in eight fifth-grade classrooms. The results indicated that (a) TV students were more…

This meta-analysis reviews research on the achievement effects of comprehensive school reform (CSR) and summarizes the specific effects of 29 widely implemented models. There are limitations on the overall quantity and quality of the research base, but the overall effects of CSR appear promising. The combined quantity, quality, and statistical…

In 1998, the U.S. Department of Education published a comprehensive synthesis of the General Educational Development certificate (GED). Since that time, additional research has shed light on the economic benefits of the GED. This review of that research highlights four lessons. First, the presence of the GED option may encourage some students to…

Teachers and counselors (n=251) rated the severity of 21 bullying scenarios. Physical threat or abuse was rated more serious than verbal or social/emotional abuse. Physical conflicts were rated as bullying even when they did not fit the definition. Repeated abuse and an unfair match between participants were related to effectiveness of evaluators'…

Analysis of census data and 884 students' records in Inner London revealed that, regardless of ethnicity, students from more-advantaged social backgrounds performed better. Census measures strongly related to school performance were social class, educational qualifications, unemployment, and index of social deprivation. Census data appear useful…

Interviews with 16 teachers and 10 children who had been abused in schools revealed a range of levels of awareness and disclosure as well as responses to disclosure of abuse. Difficulties for teachers in delineating acceptable and unacceptable behavior point to a need for improved guidelines and legislation. (Contains 39 references.) (SK)

British students who had compulsory science in the National Curriculum from ages 11-16 (n=115) had significantly higher scores on a science test than those for whom secondary science had been optional (n=30). Almost all had very low scores on questions related to the circulatory system and sound and light, regardless of their science background.…

Survey responses of 131 parents of children with Down's Syndrome were analyzed using identity process theory. Parents' satisfaction with their children's schooling was closely related to their perceived self-efficacy, involvement with their children's education and school climate. (Contains 33 references.) (SK)

A study of 10 preservice teachers in Hong Kong regarding their beliefs about principals found a relationship between leadership/management style of principals they would like to be and mothers' behavior and a relationship between principals they would not like to be and fathers' interpersonal behavior. Results demonstrate the influence of personal…

Early childhood teachers in Britain (n=359) found working with young children rewarding but felt impeded by stressful educational changes and curriculum initiatives, especially when required to implement policies contrary to their teaching values and philosophy. They were frustrated at spending more time on bureaucratic tasks than on teaching. (SK)

From ratings of children's learning activities by 209 elementary teachers in Singapore, four factors emerged: conventional activities, motivational activities, student-directed activities that foster independence and collaboration, and teacher-directed group activities. Beginning teachers preferred motivational activities. The current environment…

Five English teachers in England defined imagination in terms of the Romantic tradition and considered it crucial in English teaching. However, classroom practice is dominated by assessment of National Curriculum requirements and a view of English learning as a set of discrete skills. Current school culture is not conducive to imaginative work.…

Comparison of lower-sixth-form (n=346) and upper-sixth-form (n=406) students on Advanced-level physics exams in Northern Ireland found higher levels of attainment among the upper-level students. Boys were more likely to take advantage of modular exams. Results support the proposed Advanced Subsidiary level as a less-demanding transition for…

A study of British students of various ethnic backgrounds (4,607 elementary, 1,225 secondary) showed that those with early stages of English fluency perform at low levels; bilingual students with English proficiency perform better than English-only speakers; and some ethnic groups perform better than others. Regardless of ethnicity, girls tend to…

Australian elementary teachers (n=571) in whose classrooms children with moderate or severe intellectual disabilities were included were surveyed. Sources of stress included their perceived competence, their concern that the education of the majority of students not be affected, and the behavior of the child with disabilities. (SK)