A longitudinal study of 1,329 students and the 141 mathematics teachers they had before and after transfer to junior high examined the relationship between students' beliefs in mathematics and their teachers' sense of efficacy. Teacher efficacy beliefs had a stronger impact on low-achieving than high-achieving students. (SLD)

This annual report shows the number and percentage of students retained in grade at the conclusion of the 1987-88 school year in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). Statistical data were gathered from a principal's report and a student survey. The following findings are presented: (1) in June of 1988, 29,205 students were retained;…

This annual report shows the number and percentage of students retained in grade at the conclusion of the 1988-89 school year in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). Statistical data were gathered from a principal's report, a student survey, and earlier reports. The following findings are presented: (1) in June of 1989, 30,413 students…

This report examines the limitations of research that has been conducted on the effects of retention and social promotion. It reexamines seven research studies that provide strong evidence based on strong methodology that includes the following three characteristics: (1) the studies identify the basis of comparison, that is, whether they are…

An analysis of sex differences in promotion and non-promotion rates in an inner city public high school in Chicago (Illinois) supports the findings of national studies on the promotion trends of black students. A review of the literature reveals the following major trends among black males: (1) black males tend to avoid intellectual engagement and…

In 1980, the New York City Board of Education set reading standards that fourth- and seventh-grade students were required to achieve before being promoted. The Gates Program was established to provide remedial education to those students failing to meet the standards. A total of 15,705 students in the two grades failed to meet the standards in…

City-wide all-day kindergarten was instituted in the New York City public schools in the l983-84 school year. Follow-up studies of two evaluations of all-day kindergarten, a prospective study and a retrospective study, were undertaken to examine whether enrollment in all-day kindergarten (ADK) resulted in higher third-grade academic achievement…

In May 1983, the Georgia Board of Education identified six tasks to be pursued in an attempt to improve education in the public schools: (1) strengthen high school graduation requirements; (2) establish statewide promotion guidelines for at least one grade in elementary school (the 3rd grade was chosen); (3) implement merit or differential pay for…

A. Phillip Randolph Campus High School began in 1979 as a cooperative effort among the New York City Board of Education, the School of Education of the City University of New York, and City College of New York. High school students are able to use the educational resources of City College. The effort has been successful, especially as measured by…

As part of a larger study, this paper examines the factors that determine promotion decisions at the end of first grade. Determinants of first grade failure are of particular interest because at this stage there are alternatives to failure. (Author/RWB)

Examines the negative outcomes of the mandatory external primary school-leaving certificate examination administered to Irish sixth-graders, 1943-67. Concludes that the Irish experience should warn American educators of the possible dangers of using minimum competency tests as the sole or primary determinant of decisions concerning grade-to-grade…

This paper outlines two approaches for improving outcomes for students at risk for academic failure. Both take a systemic approach to the problem by focusing on how specific circumstances create a reality of failure for many students. One school analyzed factors related to retention/promotion decisions and determined that four factors directly…

Proposes a more dimensional, holistic, child- and action-oriented educational-psychological approach for working with gifted preschool children, based on experiences with the Hanover Project and findings that previous kindergarten educational reforms in Germany did not sufficiently recognize and promote gifted preschool children. Examines…

The academic performance of 86 mainstreamed learning-disabled students was compared with that of 87 low-achieving students. Significant differences were found between the groups' grades in social studies and health but not in science. Of intelligence quotient, reading level, and absence rates, only absence rates differentiated between ninth grade…

Provides for those involved in retaining a child a concise, cumulative report of recent literature and research on elementary grade retention. Most research indicated that elementary school level retention does not effectively increase academic achievement among low-achieving students. Research-based decision making on this issue is a must. (RJM)