Strategies were examined for adapting the context of mathematical materials to student interests. Two groups were studied using four context variations. Implications for increasing students' confidence and proficiency in solving word problems is discussed. (Author/MT)

Data from a national sample of 1,955 17-year-olds were used to test a model of educational productivity involving ability, motivation, quantity and quality of instruction, and home and classroom environments. A number of factors were found to be significant predictors of student outcomes. (Author/MT)

Longitudinal data from a large sample of high school students were analyzed using a cross-lagged panel correlation design in an attempt to rule out plausible alternative explanations of the causal relationship between self-concept and achievement. Results suggest there may be no causal relationship but an indirect one through other variables.…

Forty-six achievement tests were compared for content validity, criterion-related validity, reliability, and norms. Results show that more popular tests provide the user with technical data in the critical areas examined, although the information provided may be incomplete. (Author/MT)

This study evaluated the adequacy of a Likert-type scale cooperating teacher report. Results demonstrated a significant presence of leniency error and halo effect, leaving highly questionable the validity of the report as a whole. Findings are discussed. (Author/MT)

This study examines whether residual recall differences between reading ability groups after a memory training task reflect the dimensions of organizational processing. Although age-related effects occurred, no ability group effects emerged, suggesting that learning disabled readers adequately access word features except when organized by…

Ninety fourth-graders were assessed as either high or low test anxious and randomly assigned to one of three treatments. After treatment, students were tested on a paired associate learning task and a second anxiety measure. Results are discussed. (Author/MT)

Two high school general mathematics classes with similar pretest scores were taught a unit on percentages, one with a cooperative and the other with an individualistic goal structure. At posttest, the cooperatively goal-structured class demonstrated significantly higher achievement than the individualistic group. (Author/MT)

Ten professional and 10 peer teachers were videotaped while teaching a short lesson. Detailed codings and ratings of videotapes allowed an examination of interrelationships among teacher expectations, gender, teaching behaviors, and student outcome measures of cognitive performance and academic self-concept. Results are summarized and conclusions…

The sentence verification technique (SVT) was used to test 44 third graders to assess the validity of the technique. Results were viewed as being consistent with the interpretation that the SVT is a valid means of measuring reading comprehension. (Author/MT)

Seventy-three sixth graders were asked to detect contradictions within the assigned paragraph and information contrary to general knowledge. While prior studies have found ability to detect errors related to reading ability, the results of this study suggest that individual variations in error detection are more complex. Results are discussed.…

This paper examines the potential influences of school reform policies on the high school dropout rate, and it summaries a diverse set of reports on American education that recommend increasing academic standards in schools as a means for improving secondary school performance. (Author/LMO)

This paper reviews the history of family choice opportunities in public schools. It offers detailed examinations of the several choice models that have proved widespread: (1) open enrollment plans; (2) magnet schools; (3) schools within schools; (4) satellites and separate alternatives; and (5) interdistrict choice plans. (Author/LMO)

An evaluation of the validity of direct observation measures of pupil classroom behaviors is presented. Three types of measures are discussed: molar, molecular, and molecular-composite. Consistent support for the validity of molar and molecular-composite types of measures is revealed. (Author/LMO)

Second language immersion programs, originally developed in Canada some 20 years ago, have been implemented in a number of U.S. cities. Alternative forms of U.S. programs are described--enriched, magnet, and two-way bilingual--and research findings pertaining to the effectiveness of each are summarized and discussed. (Author)