This report summarizes the evaluation of AISD's Literacy Support Plan for a comprehensive reading intervention initiative for kindergarten through grade 3 students during the 1999-2000 school year.

This report summarizes evaluation results of AISD's state-funded Accelerated Reading Instruction (ARI) grant activities for 2002-2003.

Results from meta-analysis of studies on student attitudes toward science are discussed. Includes description of meta-analysis techniques, discussion of attitudes toward science (with a proposed definition), a theoretical framework for studying attitudes which provides a structure for synthesis studies, and recommendations, including those related…

This review of the literature highlights research-based ways to improve schools and classrooms. Emphasis is on student time-on-task, effective teacher behaviors, and positive teacher supervision. (JM)

Examines the effects of a negative income tax on school-enrollment and labor-supply decisions of urban Black teenagers. Results support the contention that the negative income tax would enable more teenagers to complete high school and postpone entry into the labor force. Theoretical considerations and empirical results are analyzed. (MF)

The evolution of the California Assessment Program from its legislative origins in 1961 is discussed. The following topics are included: history; analysis and reporting of results; program impact; program assessment; and future changes in emphasis. (MH)

In its third year, direct lending is working well for college students and administration. It is a simpler, faster, more efficient way of getting loan funds to students that cuts out financial middlemen. It helps students manage their finances better when repaying loans, promotes competition, stimulates program innovation, leads to greater…

Describes the Home Visit Initiative at Socorro Middle School in Texas. Discusses the purpose of home visits; selection of families for teacher home visits; the visiting team; parents', students', and teachers' reactions to visits, and the results of an evaluation of the home visits, especially the impact on parent volunteerism and schooling,…

Describes the Pew Charitable Trusts' Pew Leadership Award for revitalization and reform in higher education and summarizes characteristics of the 45 nominated institutions. The institutions develop portfolios documenting accomplishments in the areas of curriculum redesign, faculty roles and responsibilities, and resource reallocation. Profiles the…

Maintains that empirical curriculum development (evaluating a curriculum as one develops it) can be a useful tool for drug abuse prevention efforts. Presents a model of a systemic process of empirical development that considers variables such as manipulation checks, interest, belief changes and perceived helplessness. Discusses research…

The John Templeton Foundation encourages colleges and universities to foster students' moral development by establishing the "Honor Roll for Character-Building Colleges" to recognize institutions that emphasize character building as an integral part of the undergraduate experience. Ten programs featured in the 1996-97 honor roll are profiled…

A University of Auckland (Australia) program of developmental studies for students on academic probation provides four days of intensive instruction in time management, study habits, test preparation, test-taking, memory, concentration, and writing skills. Data show students taking the course improved significantly in their academic achievement…

Provides a historical overview of the activities designed to standardize and/or improve civics education. Briefly reviews reform movements, guidelines, and educational studies contributed by private institutions or the government. Lists the eight objectives for political science developed by the Committee on Pre-Collegiate Education in 1971. (MJP)

Details how one urban middle school took an active stand against violence by establishing programs in student leadership, conflict resolution, peer mediation, and violence prevention. Highlights benefits, student participation and training, and several innovative alternatives to suspension and traditional school discipline measures of the program,…

Claims that although agencies specializing in adoption of minority children have been successful in achieving same-race adoptive placements for African American children, funding and support for some of these initiatives have been withheld. Describes successful placement practices used by a private agency in California and a public agency in…