This introductory handbook is intended to provide teachers with an overview of the Primary Education Program (PEP), designed for use with children at preschool, kindergarten and first grade levels. Background information on the development of PEP is presented and the rationale and design of the program are discussed. Briefly discussed are the…

Eight major characteristics of educational programs that aim to successfully accommodate exceptional children in regular classes are identified, discussed, and illustrated. The effectiveness of the implementation of the Adaptive Learning Environments Program in a multiage primary classroom of low and high achievers is reported. (Author/RH)

In this study, a programmatic decision-making framework called the consensus marker-outcome variable system (CMOVS) was developed as a result of a comprehensive "meta-review" and synthesis of research on variables considered by experts to be important to learning for all students, including those with special needs or those at risk of failing. The…

The study examines the defining features of school improvement programs. Twelve research-based programs that have been implemented for 5 or more years in at least 50 schools or for 3,000 students were analyzed. All have achieved national visibility. Eight of the programs focused on curricular reform and topics included: (1) Core Knowledge; (2)…

Despite increased interest in and acceptance of the concept and mandate of providing adaptive instruction to ensure schooling success for each student, a sizable gap exists between identification of specific educational practices and application of such practices in schools. The work described in this paper is aimed at examining the feasibility…

Presented are the rationale and description of the curriculum objectives developed for the Adaptive Beginning-School Learning Environment Program (ABLE). Included are brief discussions of: an analysis of the historical backgrounds and theoretical assumptions and approaches of extant preschool programs; the rationale for designing the ABLE program…

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…

A comparison of the 12 most widely implemented education programs for at-risk students can help educators choose a direction while responding to increasing demands for school improvement. Comprehensive models include Accelerated Schools, Coalition of Essential Schools, Community for Learning, and School Development. Eight programs focusing on…

A knowledge base on influences on student learning is emerging from a study that analyzed the contents of 179 handbook chapters and reviews, compiled 91 research syntheses, and surveyed 61 educational researchers. This analysis presents results of the research by using a 28-category conceptual framework based on models of schooling that influenced…

Discusses the work of the National Center on Education in the Inner City and the next-step efforts to significantly improve the capacity for education in urban America. Addresses four areas: fostering educational resilience, implementing practices responsive to student diversity and resilience development, forging school connections with family…