Disabled and nondisabled fifth graders completed a standardized achievement test under timed and untimed conditions to examine the effect of speededness on test performance. Results indicated no difference in test speededness for the two groups nor showed that the groups were differentially affected when the amount of speededness was reduced. (SM)

Australian study examined the ways that school factors and family background influenced high school students to stay in school for the senior secondary noncompulsory years. Researchers proposed a causal model which suggested student achievement level and perceptions of the quality of school life influenced their intentions. (SM)

Study of metacognition in reading examined the psychometric properties of the Index of Reading Awareness. To determine reliability and validity data, researchers administered it to elementary students along with the Woodcock Reading Mastery Test-Revised. They concluded that it should be used cautiously to measure metacognition in reading. (SM)

Researchers investigated the effects of frequent classroom testing on students, examining studies on adjunct questions and on mastery testing. Meta-analysis of 40 studies indicated students who took at least 1 test over 15 weeks scored one-half of a standard deviation higher on criterion examinations than did students who took no tests. (SM)

Researchers investigated Spanish learning outcomes for fluent and nonfluent limited-English-proficient Hispanic subjects in a maintenance bilingual program. Spanish reading and mathematics achievement were analyzed for each group using Texas norms. Both groups performed at or above the norms for 11 of 12 grade clusters for Spanish reading or…

Researchers tried training preservice teachers to make clearer presentations and produce greater student learning and satisfaction. Subjects received training in 17 instructional clarifying behaviors. Researchers videotaped their teaching pre- and posttraining. Learners rated content and satisfaction. Results indicated significant improvement in…

Describes an objective, reliable method for functionally measuring cursive handwriting. Researchers assessed the sensitivity of a functional response-class definition to differentiate easy-to-read from difficult-to-read cursive handwriting. Results showed no overlap between the categories. There was small sample-to-sample variability with the…

This article discusses the study of educational history as it helps develop certain habits of thought, examining related questions (what the goals defining school curricula should be, what educational experiences schoolchildren need to be ready for adult activities, and how schools can meet the common and individual needs of students). (SM)

The effectiveness of teacher training for enhancing feelings of personal teaching efficacy was assessed for control and training-group teachers. Pretesting, posttesting, and followup examined personal and teaching efficacy, teaching satisfaction, and role integration. Results supported the value of training and of addressing teacher efficacy…

This study investigated the effects of teachers' psychological presence on writing task engagement in students reporting low and high levels of linguistic self-efficacy. Results found that teachers play important roles in shaping students' task-related engagement, with a complex relationship between teachers' pedagogical beliefs and practices and…

The Academic Motivation Profile is derived from theories of motivation. Researchers studied preservice teachers to refine the instrument, examine the relationship between undergraduate student motivation and achievement, and determine the instrument's utility for detecting group differences. The paper discusses the instrument's development,…

This study collected data on the physical development, attendance, and school performance effects of four types of school lighting on elementary students over a two-year period. Results indicated that regular exposure to the lights had important nonvisual effects on students. Full-spectrum fluorescent lamps with ultraviolet supplements were found…

This study compared literacy knowledge in preschoolers from low- and middle-class homes. Students and parents completed assessments and questionnaires about literacy activities. Results indicated that children from low-income homes were at a disadvantage in understanding written language. Literacy development also related to amount of early…

Presents the entire text of the Sandia National Laboratories report, "Perspectives on Education in America." The report includes detailed analyses of dropout studies, standardized testing, postsecondary studies, educational funding, international comparisons, and educator status. It also addresses future workforce requirements, changing student…

In honor of the journal's 75th anniversary, the article presents a historical overview, highlighting the thrust of contributors over time, examining concerns for theory informing practice, and discussing how the original editor might view recent volumes. An appendix lists titles and authors published in the journal in 1920, 1934, and 1993. (SM)