States that reading is an intense personal and creative experience. Contends that the way teachers are educated to teach reading and literature must be improved. Opines that when the reading of real books is personalized, the possibility of responding genuinely to the needs of troubled readers is significantly increased. (PA)

Presents a study comparing different selection methods in the identification of underachievers: (1) absolute split method; (2) simple difference score method; (3) regression method; and (4) nomination. Focuses on 12- to 15-year-old Chinese students (n=126) in Hong Kong. Reports that the statistical methods had the highest congruence for selecting…

School failure of Spanish-speaking Mexican-origin children is complex and not attributable to language factors alone. Although dual-language immersion has promise, educators must consider possible negative effects, quality of instruction in minority languages, effects on intergroup relations, and issues of language and power. (SK)

Considers the notion of schools in a "spiral of decline," in which less popular schools within a market system lose numbers and increase their proportion of socially disadvantaged pupils over time. Using data derived from all secondary schools in England from 1989 to 1999, finds little evidence for any increase in the existence of such…

Studied beyond students' failing scores on a state reading assessment to investigate the needs of struggling students and implications for policy. Results for 108 students in 17 elementary schools suggest that scores on state tests mask distinctive and multifaceted patterns of students'reading abilities that require dramatically different…

Provides a humorous look at remedial reading strategies by proposing a method of upside-down reading for remedial reading teachers to use with poor readers. (MG)

This article discusses school-related indicators among learning-disabled adolescents at risk of dropping out and potential interventions. Absenteeism, discipline problems, low achievement, and grades are considered as early warning signals and appropriate/effective teacher responses reviewed. Findings indicate that at-risk students can be…

Relationships between teachers' (N=740) psychological condition (burned-out, worn-out, or healthy) and their affective reactions to student success or failure were examined. Findings indicated that affects of anger, guilt, pride, and disappointment varied with and could be predicted from knowledge of teachers' psychological conditions. (IAH)

Reviews four articles which suggest ways to help elementary students overcome frustration from reading failure. Suggests modifying negative attitudes, improving achievement through parent counseling, and teaching students self-regulatory skills. (SR)

Examined Visual Aural Digit Span Test (VADS) and Bender-Gestalt (BG) scores as predictors of Wide Range Achievement Test-Revised (WRAT-R) scores among 115 elementary school students referred for low academic achievement. Divided children into three age groups. Results suggest BG and VADS Test can be effective screening devices for young children…

To help reverse the underachievement pattern in gifted students, educators should seek out less-evident indicators of strengths and abilities, incorporate those abilities into the classroom curriculum, recognize evidence of a sustained will to learn, and be realistic and optimistic about signs of improvement. (PB)

Examines the high school completion rate of students in the class of 1988 assigned to an inschool suspension (ISS) program at some time during their high school career. Clearly, ISS students are high risks for school completion, as shown by this study's less than 50 percent completion rate. Nonetheless, such programs are essential. (MLH)

Identifies common assumptions and fallacies that greatly increase superintendents' risk of job failure. Knowing how to enlist others to assist with a career crisis and designing a "golden parachute" retirement plan can make all the difference to a superintendent planning a career move. (MLH)

Teachers were asked whether they gave higher ratings on liking, praising, and helping, and lower ratings on expectancy of success when student failure was attributed to low ability, illness, or low effort. Respondents indicated they would be most willing to help students with low ability, with low expectation of success. (JD)

Discussion of the appropriate use of instruction and training for performance problems in developing countries highlights a case study of an unsuccessful instructional project in South America. The importance of front-end analysis and a needs assessment are emphasized, and the sociotechnical systems theory (STS) of organizational development is…