SkillsTutor and its competitors (including dot.com companies) are tapping a potentially lucrative market--kids wanting academic coaching to improve test scores. Some experts worry that test-prep could overemphasize skill-building materials or usurp broader-based, critical-thinking classroom activities. The jury is still out. (MLH)

Describes a New Mexico high school's method of handling advanced-placement courses in a 2X4 block schedule that raises passing rates, compensates for loss of contact time, and gives most students opportunities to take desired AP courses. AP electives demand prerequisites and are scheduled only during spring semester. (MLH)

A study involving 21 individuals with mental retardation found functional communication training (FCT) with extinction was effective in reducing problem behavior in the majority of cases; however, when demand or delay-to-reinforcement fading was added, treatment efficacy decreased. FCT with punishment resulted in a reduction in problem behavior…

Examines whether certain contextual conditions influence the effectiveness of HRD (human resource development) programs and activities, based on contingency theory. Discusses results from questionnaires completed by stakeholders of two types of HRD programs from companies in two economic sectors. (Author/LRW)

Followed four gifted and talented students over several years to examine the nature of their educations and the differentiation offered to them. Based on problems in their programs unearthed through the case studies, systematic interventions were implemented to improve differentiation for each student personally. Results support personalized…

Investigates the efficacy of workplace drug-testing programs in reducing injury incident rates and workers' compensation experience-rating modification factors within the construction industry. Analyses indicate that companies with drug-testing programs experienced a 51 percent reduction in incident rates within two years of implementation.…

Studied the effects of program and patient characteristics on patient retention in residential, out-patient, and methadone maintenance drug treatment programs. Data for 26,047 patients in 87 programs show that threshold retention rates were generally low for all 3 program types, although program practice and service provision played important…

Reviews recent evaluation research findings about welfare recipients from a perspective of support-to-self-sufficiency rather than the welfare-to-work viewpoint that denominates the evaluation literature. Recent research suggests that many families have moved from welfare to work, but few of these families have achieved financial self-sufficiency.…

Examined impact of 2 versus 1 year of Head Start attendance on children's developmental outcomes and family environment. Found that children's Child Development Inventory scores did not differ as a function of participation time. Families with 2 years participation reported increased intellectual-cultural orientation, increased active recreational…

Presents the concept of instructional program coherence and explains why school improvement frameworks that incorporate instructional program coherence are more likely to advance student achievement than multiple unrelated efforts. Presents some evidence that Chicago, Illinois, elementary schools with stronger instructional program coherence make…

Eight student teachers received two onsite supervisory visits and one via the Iowa Communications Network (ICN); 11 received three onsite visits. ICN-facilitated supervision was thought to be equally effective and was viewed favorably. Prior experience with ICN influenced perceptions. ICN-facilitated supervision offered substantial cost savings.…

Presents support for content validity of a school social work intern effectiveness survey. Analyses suggest that the social work intern effectiveness survey can be used to assess and guide university training programs. An example of the practical implications of the instrument is provided along with a brief summary of the results and the…

Describes the status of the Communication Across the Curriculum (CXC) movement from the voices of current CXC directors nationwide. Represents directors' perspectives about their CXC programs in four ways: facts and figures, program descriptions, challenges and points of resistance, and looking to the future. Discusses several implications for CXC…

Discusses the first comprehensive examination of the system of public education in Hawai'i, conducted in 1920. Notes the great importance of the study since it not only evaluated Hawaii's educational system but also provided the territorial government some gauge of Hawaii's status as a United States territory and its success in meeting the ideals…

Describes the involvement of two Grade 11 drama classes with the PAL (Peer-Assisted Learning) program, a coaching model in which senior students in Ontario secondary schools function as instructional aides for younger peers. Suggests that both coaches and students benefit when seniors act as learning partners for their younger peers. Includes…