Examines the effects of a dyadic peer-mediated treatment, Peer-Assisted Learning Strategies (PALS), on first-grade children's mathematics development. Results indicated that treatment implementation was strong; teachers judged PALS to be effective and generally feasible; and students with and without disabilities, at all points along the…

Notes that in teacher study groups (TSG), teachers meet to converse and to study teaching and learning. Discusses key features of TSGs, TSGs in action, and benefits of TSGs. Suggests that it is important that each teacher begin exploring the topic of interest through his or her best learning mode. (SG)

Evaluated the Urban Learning (ULRN) program at California State University, Los Angeles, which combines undergraduate and teaching credential programs to address the state's shortage of credentialed teachers. Found that ULRN students exhibited higher motivation to learn and took fuller course loads compared to other undergraduates; compared to…

Examined whether college graduation rates of students taking a first-year seminar differed significantly from a comparison group. Found a significantly greater graduation rate for those enrolled in the seminar. Also found that the effect of the seminar was greatest for students from middle to lower high school deciles and minimal for students from…

Provides a background of government efforts to incorporate telecommunication and computer technologies to improve government performance and enhance citizen access to government information and services. Describes this symposium issue which discusses key issues that affect the success and implementation of electronic government initiatives. (LRW)

Strengthened the theory of change approach to evaluating a complex social initiative by integrating it with a quasi-experimental comparison group design. Used the approach in an evaluation of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's Urban Health Initiative. Initial findings support the usefulness of the initiative. (SLD)

Investigated how school choice policies implemented by the Spanish government (introduction of a right to enroll in any publicly-funded school and establishment of a system of finance where user choice directs government funds) have functioned in practice. Data on the Catalan community collected from a group of school inspectors indicated that…

Assessed the extent to which magnet schools improved the effectiveness of desegregation plans, examining 600 school districts nationwide from 1968-91. Adding magnet schools to voluntary plans did not produce any more interracial exposure than did voluntary plans without magnets. The greater the percentage of magnets in a voluntary desegregation…

Discusses the specific and complex outcomes of community service participation in higher education. Argues that support for community service learning is likely to wane if long-standing narrow beliefs about cognition are not challenged; educators need to think more holistically about what constitutes an educated person. (Contains 22 references.)…

A critical ethnographic evaluation was conducted to assess the impact of a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Safe Zone project. Results of the study suggest that the project has had a positive impact on the visibility of LGBT people and issues on campus, and has increased support for LGBT people. (Contains 17 references.) (Author)

Nearly ten years ago, the key ingredients of an effective Re-ED (Reeducation of Emotional Disturbed Children) classroom were outlined in "A Model Re-ED Classroom for Troubled Students." This article draws on recent research and best practices to update that statement of the principles of effective re-education. (Contains 13 references.) (Author)

Investigates one strategy to reduce bullying in schools, the bully court, by way of an intensive case study in one school. Describes the operation of the bully court and considers how successful it is perceived to be by staff and pupils. There was evidence of strong support for the bully court system from both staff and pupils. The limitations of…

Assesses the effects of the Language for Learning (formerly DISTAR) program on the receptive language skills of a general sample of kindergarten children. Indicates that the Language for Learning program produced both statistically and educationally significant effects on the receptive language skills of children. Discusses results, limitations,…

Identifies a number of growth paths from 15 years of experimenting with Literature Circles. Presents an annotated bibliography of seven collections of very short fiction the author has been using to create collaboration minilessons. Notes that microfictions work on every level, are packed with craft, and often feature a surprising synthesis or…

Suggests that there is a need to change the traditional evaluative process that treats teachers as supervised workers rather than collegial professionals. Examines the process, purpose, effectiveness, financial implications, and the future of peer review programs. Explains the process, purpose, and benefits of the program Peer Assistance and…