This paper investigated the relationship between formal staff mentoring programs and students' academic self-efficacy in an undergraduate setting. A convergent, mixed method study found there is a positive relationship between students' enrollment in a formal staff mentoring program and their academic self-efficacy. The results noted length of…

This paper presented the case for residential living in the community college setting. The increase in the number of students attending community colleges has led to a consequent demand for and increases in on-campus housing at two-year institutions. The information provided in this paper provided a critical assessment of the many academic,…

This study examined the application and perceived effectiveness of the Council for the Advancement of Standards (CAS) in a community college Student Affairs Division. The two research questions were as follows: (1) How does a Community College apply CAS standards? (2) What is the perceived effectiveness of applying those standards? A case study…

Success for All (SFA), one of the best-known school reform models, aims to improve the reading skills of all children but is especially directed at schools that serve large numbers of students from low-income families. First implemented in 1987, SFA combines a challenging reading program, whole-school reform elements, and an emphasis on continuous…

Success for All (SFA), one of the best-known school reform models, aims to improve the reading skills of all children but is especially directed at schools that serve large numbers of students from low-income families. First implemented in 1987, SFA combines a challenging reading program, whole-school reform elements, and an emphasis on continuous…

This dissertation study focused on three aspects of staff development in North Texas: (1) funding sources, (2) types of professional learning programs, and (3) teachers' views of the effectiveness of the funded programs. Qualitative data came from interviews with nine district administrators concerning funding sources and how those resources…

High-quality care in the earliest years of life has been shown to relate to positive developmental outcomes for children, including improved early academic skills, social-emotional competencies, and cognitive functioning. Unfortunately, the early care experiences of many children are not always high quality; rather, research suggests that…

First implemented in 1987, Success for All (SFA) is one of the best-known and most thoroughly evaluated school reform models. It combines three basic elements: (1) Reading instruction that emphasizes phonics for beginning readers and comprehension for students at all levels, and that is characterized by a highly structured curriculum, an emphasis…

This study assessed the influence of the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support (PBIS) discipline system on disciplinary referrals, (ODRs), suspensions, academic improvement and attendance in two rural schools. The influence of the PBIS system on the variables of interest was assessed for all students combined and subsequently between…

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between quality staff development and improved student learning as reflected by increased standardized test scores in reading. The study examined the effect of structured job-embedded staff development on student performance. The causal comparative design was used to examine the linkage…

The purpose of this study was to identify instructional strategies and support services of five learning community programs that focus on the retention of African American students at California Community Colleges. Empirical research indicates that colleges and universities have historically structured their curricula, student services programs,…

A preliminary analysis of three effective schools projects in Wisconsin and New York shows general improvement, especially in school climate and basic skills teaching. Administrative support included district, central office, and higher education personnel for staff development. Successful implementation can result in substantial immediate…

School administrators, eager to raise student achievement levels to meet the requirements of President Bush's No Child Left Behind Act, are increasingly looking to staff development for the purpose of enhancing student achievement. How would it be possible for staff development to be more effective than it now is? Mountain View Alternative High…

This article describes a reading inservice program for secondary social studies teachers conducted in the Harlandale (Texas) Independent School District in 1977. Need for the inservice, project activities, and the effectiveness of the training in changing teaching styles and improving students' social studies and reading scores are discussed. (SJL)

The Reading/K-5 Language Arts Program of the Des Moines (Iowa) Independent Community School District is directed by its mission statement to provide a quality educational program to a diverse community of students where all are expected to learn. In 1996-97, the elementary instructional materials selection committee studied students' achievement…