Reviews research into class size effects from a methodological viewpoint, concentrating on various strengths and weaknesses of randomized controlled trials (RCT) and observational studies. Discusses population definitions, causation, and generally sets out criteria for valid inferences from such studies. Illustrates with new findings from data in…

Demonstrates the extent to which school-level performance in the British General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) program is underpinned by variations in the socioeconomic backgrounds of students. Concludes that uncontextualized performance statistics are flawed, and that policies for school improvement must address underlying constraints…

Reports on three case studies of seventh-grade students teaching mathematics to third-grade students, in place of their classroom teacher, applying the Learning Through Teaching method. Discusses performance results for both tutors and tutees and restrictions on the scope of results. Concludes that tutoring benefits tutors more than tutees. (DSK)

Argues that it is possible to use and build on contemporary theoretical and practical discourses surrounding issues of social justice to improve schools. Describes a method of formulating, in conjunction with practitioners, a set of theoretically-informed social-justice principles for managing schools. (DSK)

Considers the effectiveness of an initiative in a British secondary school taken to mitigate the effects of an all-male senior management team. Draws a partial balance sheet of its successes and failures, especially as related to effects on female school staff, and to friction in dealing with traditional structures. (DSK)

Describes ways that British teachers, supported by university lecturers, attempted to secure effective learning for students through use of the mastery learning model in two short units of subject-specific work. Presents responses from participating teachers and students. Offers insights into processes of change in secondary schools. (DSK)

Argues that the main area of educational research on effective learning should focus on the personal qualities of the educator. Suggests that this requires a mixture of conceptual analysis and psychological insight. Also argues that questions about different kinds of learning should be central to educational research. (DSK)

This study used data from the First Follow-Up of the National Educational Longitudinal Study of 1998 to examine the effects of part-time work during the school year on high school students' academic achievement as measured by standardized achievement scores and high school grades. Results indicated a small negative effect of employment on both…

Examined whether 11th-grade girls and boys enrolled in advanced mathematics courses nationwide were socialized in similar ways, using Campbell's differential socialization paradigm. Results uncovered a gender gap favoring boys. Self-imposed pressure and persistence had important direct effects on achievement. Self-concept had important direct…

Examined the differential stability of state and trait self-regulation in academic performance in two content areas. Participants were college students enrolled in either an educational psychology course or courses related to research methods. Data from a self-regulatory inventory provided evidence of differential stability of state and trait…

Examined elementary principals' views of combination classes. Interviews indicated they preferred single-grade classes, believing that combinations led to diminished curriculum and parent and teacher concerns. They assigned effective, experienced teachers and high-ability, independent students to these classes. Few viewed combination classes as…

Examined relationships between teachers' perceptions of literacy acquisition and kindergartners' involvement in literacy events and the quality and quantity of classroom literacy materials. Teacher interviews and classroom observations indicated that children in emergent literacy classrooms participated in significantly more literacy events than…

Investigated patterns of participation in high school extracurricular activities, using data from the National Educational Longitudinal Study of 1998. Students of upper socioeconomic status and higher ability were more likely to participate in extracurricular activities; girls were more likely to participate than boys (except in sports); and…

Studied the effects of an intervention designed to foster emotional, academic, and interpersonal skills on 22 elementary school students at risk of emotional and behavioral disorders. The intervention, which was designed to be culturally competent, was associated with decreased clinical symptoms and improved academic and behavioral performance.…

Analyzed average performance changes between tested grades for Hawaiian students who took the Stanford Achievement Test from 1992 to 1996. These local norms for Hawaii provide tools to improve the understanding of the performance of Hawaiian students relative to their mainland counterparts. (SLD)