This packet contains a research synthesis and a collection of six research briefs. The research synthesis, "Effective Schooling Practices: A Research Synthesis, 1995 Update" (Kathleen Cotton), is the third edition of a research-synthesis document on effective schooling practices. It was originally used to support schools receiving training in Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory's (NWREL's) Onward to Excellence (OTE) school-improvement process. Based on over 1,000 references, the synthesis describes characteristics and practices identified by research as associated with improvements in student performance. Findings are cited within three sections, each focused on one level of organization: the classroom, the school, and the district. Groups of practices derived from the research have been organized into practice clusters and then into cluster groupings. The six research briefs published by NWREL are as follows: (1) "Reducing the Dropout Rate" (E. Gregory Woods); (2) "Peer and Cross-Age Tutoring" (Page Kalkowski); (3) "Engendering School Improvement Through Strong Instructional Leadership" (E. Gregory Woods); (4) "Promoting Student Mathematics Learning Through a Hands-on and Visual Math Program" (Joan M. Shaughnessy); (5) "Applying Total Quality Management Principals to Secondary Education" (Kathleen Cotton); and (6) "Preparing High School Students for the World of Work in a Tech Prep Program" (Joan M. Shaughnessy). (LMI)