Two experiments were conducted to determine how initial task experiences of success and failure combine with observation of task outcomes in same-age, same-sex peers to affect the achievement expectations of second and third graders. The first experiment involved lower class urban Black children; the second involved middle class rural White…

This paper seeks to fill gaps in the literature by presenting findings from a study of the experiences and outcomes of low-skill adults in community colleges. It uses student record information from the Washington State Community and Technical College System to track the progress of two cohorts of adult students 25 or older with, at most, a high…

Four schools in the Milwaukee Public School (MPS) district now have appeared on the state's list of schools needing improvement for four years in a row. After four years on the list, schools are required under federal law to take corrective action, which could include restructuring the internal organization of the school, replacing staff,…

The role individual psychological motives play in failure in learning was studied through a survey of students of English as a Second Language at a Saudi Arabian university. Students who scored about 80% and those who scored lower than 60% (the passing grade) on an English language examination were interviewed about their previous experiences and…

This paper examines several perspectives and their implications for school social work services to prevent and deal with school failure and dropping out. It examines the different reform efforts and factors involved with dropping out of school. Much of this discussion is shaped by the personal general school social work experiences and knowledge…

This paper responds to President Clinton's call for an end to social promotion. The article reports on a study that examined the effects of social promotion on students, looked at alternatives to social promotion, and investigated how teachers in a representative public school district perceive social promotion. Data were gathered from 46…

The Yale Child Study Center's Impact Analysis and Strategies Group conducted a three-year, independent evaluation of the Institute for Student Achievement (ISA), which is a multi-site, school-based intervention program for students placed at risk of failure. The evaluation design triangulated: (1) student outcomes; (2) the level and quality of the…

This paper reviews the extent and consequences of grade retention in elementary and secondary school. The first part of the paper reviews recent proposals for test-based grade promotion and retention. These are based on politically attractive, but scientifically unsupported claims about the benefits of retention, and minority students are more…

Article discusses the remedial learning of reading for the teaching of the English language to those who come to school with deficient verbal skills, and for others who simply want to enjoy a satisfactory life. (Author/RK)

Describes a technique that used ambiguously drawn pictures of scenes depicting various aspects of the reading process to elicit imaginative reactions by fifth-grade boys. Results suggest that the high achieving readers had significantly more positive attitudes toward reading than did low achieving readers. (FL)

This case-study recounts an investigation of a barely literate 12-year-old boy and discusses some of the advantages of computer-assisted instruction for remedial aid--e.g., its impartiality, lack of emotional involvement, and instant and accurate feedback. The results may have implications for the slow undergraduate learner. (EAO)

Recommends reality counseling to help students who identify with failure to take responsibility and achieve success. Defines reality counseling and discusses its principles: get involved, focus on present behavior, help the student evaluate his/her behavior, make a plan for future behavior, encourage student commitment, accept no excuses, and…