The number of children at risk of school failure because of poverty, illness, divorce, drug and alcohol abuse, frequent relocation, and other adverse circumstances is increasing. Although some teachers may feel as though these problems are beyond them, research points to educators' actions that can alleviate such problems by fostering educational…

Rewarding students for their achievements enhances self-esteem and confidence. These positive feelings permeate the school, improve the general climate, and raise the level of school pride. New and traditional methods of recognizing student groups such as a welcoming assembly, a spirit banner contest, and senior privileges can make students feel…

Presenting information from school projects, interviews, workshops, conference sessions, newsletters, conference review reports, and technological developments, this series of four project information updates reports on a variety of issues relating to student achievement. The first update reports some recent work in facilitating student…

The book describes an integrated model of postsecondary education for deaf students developed at California State University, Northridge. The model uses the facilities and services of a regular university, offering special support services only where absolutely needed to insure the success of deaf students. Lectures are translated into sign…

Cooperative learning is a teaching strategy in which small teams, each with students of different levels of ability, use a variety of learning activities to improve their understanding of a subject. Typical cooperative learning strategies used in grades 2 through 12 involve student teams in which students: (1) work on group projects that emphasize…

The University of California at Berkeley has developed a Mathematics Workshop the purpose of which is to improve serious deficiencies in minority students' mathematics and study skills. Now in its second year, the workshop has five functions: (1) building a community of minority freshmen that is academically-oriented and a source of peer support;…

Alternative instructional delivery options such as self-paced and flexible enrollment courses are designed to increase enrollment, promote retention, and encourage student success without lowering academic standards. The Fast Track Associate's Degree Program, developed by a team of faculty, staff, and administrators at Richland Community College,…

The special issue contains articles which focus on the opportunities for deaf high school graduates who want to go on to postsecondary education. Following an introduction by C. Williams is an interview with Gallaudet College's former Director of Admissions titled "Screening In--The Admissions Policy at Gallaudet College. An Interview with Bernard…

Chandler (Arizona) High School has reported a dramatic increase in student achievement levels since implementing a number of management, curriculum, and discipline policy changes. Among the program changes that contributed to these gains are: (1) creation of a positive school environment, with high expectations for teachers, emphasis on high…

Ribault (Florida) Senior High School has reported a dramatic increase in student achievement levels since implementing a comprehensive college preparation curriculum. Among the program changes that contributed to those gains are: (1) the establishment and consistent enforcement of a strong discipline program, including rules for student conduct, a…

In 1988, the American College Testing Program, together with the National Council of Instructional Administrators and the National Council for Student Development, initiated Project Cooperation (PC) to examine outcomes assessment strategies and measures of institutional effectiveness among two-year colleges. The first initiative of PC was a survey…

A variety of general education programs and evaluation approaches are described, with a focus on assessments of student attitudes and achievement. The introductory essay by Jerry G. Gaff, "A Practical Approach to Evaluation," presents a three-step evaluation approach, as well as suggestions for general education program directors, deans,…

This document contains all six issues of the journal for 1999. Article titles include the following: "A Tribute to ESL Pioneers"; "Current Perspectives on Improving Aural Comprehension"; "TESOL '99 Preview"; "South Africa: A Place for English Teaching Pioneers"; "Challenging Questions About E-Mail for…

This newsletter examines the continuous progress (CP) curriculum, the primary characteristic of which is flexible pacing for the student. The newsletter notes some of the practical concerns limiting implementation of CP curricula, and how some schools have overcome them. It then discusses four issues that schools must address to employ a…

This report reviews recent initiatives to improve family-school collaboration and communication. The six articles are: (1) "Schools, Families, and Students Get Stronger When Parents and Teachers Take Collaboration into Their Own Hands," which highlights parent-teacher action research projects at eight schools through eight case studies; (2)…