Reading and math testing in inner London of 112 Black, 182 White children at end of primary school and 79 and 119 from this sample at age 11 found girls, especially Black girls, progressed more in reading in primary school; and boys progressed more in math initially, girls tended to catch up later, and Black boys fell behind. (SK)

Two east London studies collected responses from 798 of 1,556 fifth-year students and follow-up data on 692 showing that those who planned to leave school were disproportionately white, male, and working class; males were significantly more likely to be in manual employment; higher proportions of black students stayed in education; and higher…

Positive attitudes toward computer-assisted instruction (CAI) were found in a survey of 137 Turkish fifth graders. Compared to traditional classrooms, CAI was perceived as more interesting, better understood, and more motivating. No significant differences between boys and girls were found. (SK)

A study of three-year patterns of suspension/expulsion in a British school district showed that numbers of pupils excluded increased each year. A small number of schools accounted for the majority of the exclusions, suggesting that school characteristics are more significant predictors of exclusion than student behavior. (SK)

Single- or mixed-gender pairs of elementary children were told either to work cooperatively on a computer-based language task or be assessed individually. Performance measures indicated a disadvantage for mixed pairs, improved performance for cooperative pairs. Girls tended to cooperate regardless of being told to or not; mixed pairs cooperated…

Teacher education students (n=13) who contracted for grades differentiated by specific criteria were compared on grade point average and grades contracted and achieved. Perceived control over assessment, self-efficacy, and motivation were linked. However, they were reluctant to use criterion-referenced assessment in classrooms when it was poorly…

A majority of 123 British elementary students surveyed rated TV/video as the most enjoyable learning mode, but only 54% felt they learned a lot; half enjoyed whole-class teaching, 63% learned a lot this way. Whole-class and small-group discussion received the lowest ratings for enjoyment and learning potential, suggesting students are not aware of…

Advanced-level students aged 16-19 in Britain (n=209) were asked reasons for choosing A-level subjects, their career aspirations, and the advice they sought/received. Despite the fact that girls were overall significantly better qualified than boys, they were relatively lacking in confidence, especially in the sciences, and felt they needed more…

Describes how new knowledge about teachers and teacher education has been created through narrative studies. Shows how biography, autobiography, and personal narratives are used in the construction and reconstruction of a teacher's personal practical knowledge. (SK)

Four creativity measures and nine personality tests were administered to 218 Barbadian secondary students specializing in arts or sciences. No differences were apparent in creative performance, but arts-oriented students were more autonomous, feminine, and appreciative of change; science-oriented students were more dominant. (SK)

Three times in a six-week period, British secondary students gave class presentations and they rated their lessons weekly. Most said that student presentations made the lessons more involving and stimulating. The study illustrated a process of collaborative research among practicing teachers. (SK)

The General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) results of 1,200 students in 9 British secondary schools in 1 district were subjected to multilevel modeling to derive school effectiveness measures. The relative ordering of schools changed markedly depending on the output measure and student factors. Ranking based solely on GCSE results was…

A survey of 148 inner London schools showed that, since the 1990 abolition of the Inner London Education Authority, which supported extracurricular enrichment, financial constraints had affected field trips, music, arts, sports, and after-school/latchkey programs. Some schools are using charitable and parental contributions, but further budget…

Describes the findings of a Canadian commission which inquired into the effects of declining enrollments on matters affecting school buildings, school curriculum, the teaching force, and the wider community. Also includes recommendations for action to the Minister of Education. (CT)

Studies the research and other literature on "special care" children and its implications for practice. Concentrates on studies concerning the most severely handicapped children, but also makes use of work on children less severely handicapped, where there are clear possible ways of applying the work to the most severely handicapped. (Author/CT)