Describes a study which examined English students' academic motivation and attitudes toward school during their first year of secondary education. Students completed sentences describing the best and worst aspects of school and the sources of their academic motivations. Findings showed students liked school and were motivated by future employment…

Evaluates and describes a training program to improve verbal communication skills in slightly retarded eleven-year-olds. Students described objects to a listener, watched demonstrations of effective communication, and received evaluations of their communication. The program was effective in teaching these children to describe salient features…

Describes a study in England which examined Allport's "total rejection" hypothesis which says that, as soon as a child has learned to distinguish Negroes from other groups, he will undoubtedly reject all Negroes, in all circumstances and with considerable feeling. The study shows that the hypothesis has no relevance to Britain in the 1980s. (AM)

Describes a practical approach that teachers can use to check for test-item validity in test construction. The Kuder-Richardson Reliability Formula is used. Detailed instructions describe the procedure for evaluating items for difficulty and using statistical methods to determine test validity. (AM)

Describes public school responses to crime and student delinquency in terms of behavioral expectations. The authors conclude that school discipline policies are often based more on the fear of violence, disruptive behavior, and unpredictable situations than on actual incidents. (AM)

Examines the reasons behind and the effects of standardized and minimum competency tests. The authors conclude that the tests lead towards lower performance expectations for disadvantaged students, and increasingly rigid tracking along class, cultural, and racial lines. (AM)

Explores the history and impact of Dewey's progressive education theories as applied to moral education and individualized instruction. The author argues that current educational practices distort the philosopher's original intentions of improving intelligence and moral conduct in order to justify tracking and increased competition for scarce…

A research review of student allocation in British schools revealed information gaps on the impact of teacher influence on student elective choices, teacher criteria for evaluating student choices, and the effect of sex and social class on student tracking. (AM)

In three British studies of classroom group work in the lower three forms, researchers found that in 35 lessons, when teachers did use groups, they used them primarily to organize their classes and not to achieve specific educational objectives. Teachers usually assigned individual learning tasks. (AM)

This heuristic study attempts to determine the practicality of applying a cost effectiveness analysis to educational services. Two research techniques are proposed in the analysis of the provision of "A level" courses in four British educational institutions. (AM)

This survey of 2,915 British fifth form students identifies those who are uncertain whether to continue their schooling or leave to take jobs. It analyzes the factors (sex, social class, examination results, job opportunities) which determine their decisions and the timing of their choices. (AM)

Eighty-six college students (51 female) were tested on their ability to perform seven kinds of formal mathematical operations. An analysis of data indicated a strong positive relationship between male sex-role orientation and biological sex and cognitive development levels. (AM)

This report examines the current use of standardized reading tests in British schools seven years after a critical government report. Included in the review is a discussion of the variables affecting test development and use, as well as four recommendations for future testing policy. (AM)

This experiment tested the hypothesis that language skills of seven- to eight-year-old children could be improved if parents were involved in the program. Three groups of 15 children were exposed to identical, single term programs. In two groups, parents worked in the classroom with the children. Findings supported the hypothesis. (AM)

Reviews attempts to modernize the Swedish school system from 1950 to 1980, evaluates changes which have been implemented, and explains why fewer changes have been effected than had been hoped for. Topics discussed include effective organizational changes, strategies for social change, organizational development, school research, and prerequisites…