Four family process factors (parental expectations, parental interest, parental involvement, and family communication) were assessed for their impact on grades and achievement test scores of 300 students in sixth and seventh grades in a longitudinal study. The most influential was parental expectation of students' capabilities in specific…

Understandings of teacher experience and narrative that could lead to reconceptualizing teacher education are explored. The understanding of experience should be expanded beyond field-based and professional development experience to encompass the totality of a teacher's experience. (SLD)

This study examined 56 elementary students' verbalizations to identify instances of self-instruction and self-monitoring during reading and mathematics. Results indicated that half of the verbalizations were self-instructive, and one-quarter of those involved self-monitoring. There were gender differences and differences in students who perceived…

This study evaluated the effect of middle-to-high-school transition programs on educational progress (student performance and retention) in a nationally representative sample of public school students. Data from the National Educational Longitudinal Survey indicated that transition programs targeting students, parents, and school staff together…

Describes preservice teachers' selection and use of specific vocabulary and comprehension teaching strategies for a microteaching session in a field-based practicum attached to a required content area literacy course. Data from interviews showed that preservice teachers were clear on the sociocultural context of their practicum settings and the…

The relationship between social support and self-efficacy was investigated in teacher assistance team members and participating school staff members at 27 elementary schools. Social support factors examined were guidance, reliable alliance, and reassurance of worth. Findings showed reassurance of worth was strongly related to self-efficacy in…

Interviews with elementary students before and after tests in three subjects investigated how grade level and subject affected students' ability to predict test scores. Results found a significant grade-subject area interaction for predictions prior to testing. Posttest predictions differed only slightly from pretest. Prediction accuracy was…

Using data on variability in West Virginia high school dropout rates, this study examined contextual factors in teen pregnancy. Results indicated that teen pregnancy was explained in a similar way to dropping out. The presence or absence of opportunities and valued participation in a socially, culturally stable community affected both issues. (SM)

This study explored elementary teachers' and parents' satisfaction with their accessibility to each other. Information from parents and teachers participating in a voice mail telephone intervention versus traditional communication found that parents of older students were satisfied with voice mail and parents of younger students preferred…

Reviews research on thinking aloud in reading comprehension that considers thinking aloud as a method of inquiry, a mode of instruction, and a means for encouraging social interaction. Current efforts in engaging students in constructing meaning from text in collaborative discussions indicate the increased importance of social interaction in…

Presents a critical analysis of middle school advisor-advisee programs and a review of the history and rationale for these programs. A typology is offered for distinguishing different advisory programs, and a conceptual framework for identifying potential barriers to advisories is presented. (Author/SLD)

Critically reviews the quantitative literature on culturally sensitive parent education programs, discussing issues of research methodology and program efficacy in producing change among ethnic minority parents and their children. Culturally sensitive programs for African American and Hispanic families are described in detail. Methodological flaws…

Effectiveness of a classwide peer tutoring program was studied for low achievers with and without learning disabilities and average achievers in 20 elementary school intervention classes and 20 control classes. All types of learners in peer tutoring classrooms demonstrated greater reading progress regardless of which of three measures was used.…

Whether goals held by students from diverse cultural backgrounds differ and the relationship of these goals to school motivation and achievement were studied with 2,156 Australian (Anglo, immigrant, and Aboriginal), 529 Navajo, and 198 Canadian Montagnais Betsiamite Indian secondary school students. Cross cultural and educational implications are…

Reviews psychological theory and research critical to understanding why parents become involved in their children's education, focusing on parents' role construction; parents' sense of efficacy; and invitations, demands, and opportunities for involvement. The review suggests that these three areas are critical to success in involving parents. (SLD)