This annotated bibliography of 12 publications on student self-esteem includes six research studies that indicate the following: (1) it is the actual ability of students, not their self-concepts of ability, that make the difference in academic success; (2) students who feel strong parental pressure generally have lower self-esteem; (3) self-esteem…

The causes and types of student underachievement and suggestions for remedying the problem are discussed. Because the reasons for underachievement are numerous, different for individuals, and often overlapping, solutions must consider the unique context. Recommendations include increasing students' self-esteem; increasing community involvement;…

A review of studies of at-risk students is presented in this document. Two recurring themes that occur in the studies reviewed are structured involvement and high expectations of students. The following items are reviewed: "Sex, Race, and Grade Differences in the Locus of Control Orientations of At-Risk Elementary Students," by Beverly D. Payne…

Comprehensive or nonselective schools have been in existence in the United Kingdom for over 40 years, having gradually replaced the old selective system of grammar schools for able pupils and secondary modern schools for less able pupils. In spite of their growth in numbers, comprehensive schools have been subject to continual controversy, and…

This document reports the proceedings of a conference entitled, "The Case for Educational Restructuring," which was designed to re-examine values and assumptions underlying the traditional structure of secondary and postsecondary education. The central concern of the conference was to make a case for the formulation of a national,…

Results are presented of a 10-year longitudinal study of students who completed the Inquiry Program (IP) at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, which provides an alternative approach for meeting most general education requirements. Standard performance measures and questionnaires completed by program graduates were examined. Compared to other…

Results of the "A Study of Schooling" survey indicate that the practice of tracking in secondary schools makes it difficult for schools to achieve either academic excellence or equality of educational opportunities. Tracking, furthermore, forces schools to perpetuate social and economic inequalities. Eight footnotes are appended. (IW)

This paper reports on a study that examined the effects of student-level orientation to schooling on students perceptions of a desirable school environment. The study involved 762 students in grades 7-12 in 4 Hong Kong secondary schools. The students completed a survey on their perceptions of independent learning, affinity to teachers, learning…

Interest in creating the conditions that enhance student learning and support students in achieving their educational goals is at an all-time high. Four-fifths of high school graduates need some form of postsecondary education to acquire the knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary to address increasingly complex social, economic, and…

This book is a guide for teachers, counselors, administrators, and other helping professionals. The focus of the book is to provide an innovative approach to education that develops students' spirit, purpose, and potential. The author shows educators how to: create inviting schools that foster maximum student success; turn classrooms into life…

The Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) believes that education policy and practice must be based on a comprehensive approach that addresses the learning needs of the whole child. This approach ensures education excellence and equity for each student--especially those from underserved populations. Meeting the needs of the…

Two measures, perceived academic control and action control (i.e., preoccupation with failure), were administered to college students. Achievement-related cognitions, emotions, motivation, and final grades were measured at the end of the course. Of note, high-control, high-failure-preoccupied students outperformed the other groups by one to two…

In addition to traditional study skills, the Master Student (MS) course at Harrisburg Area Community College (HACC), in Pennsylvania, includes subjects related to career decision making, human development, and psychology. A study was conducted to track the academic achievement, including grades, number of semesters enrolled, and total credits…

This conference was designed to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas on how parents, teachers, and other concerned individuals can contribute to strengthening the educational support system, and to generate practical information on strategies to improve achievement levels of youth. The first article, titled "Conference Program…

Cooperative learning is a valuable strategy for teaching secondary school students, especially useful with students from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds who are learning English as a Second Language. It offers a method for managing diversity, channeling peer influence into a positive force for improving school performance, and…