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These papers are partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Science Degree in Education at Winona State University in Winona, Minnesota. The cohort included a variety of licensure areas that represent most levels and content areas of K-12 education. The students were encouraged to keep their questions and hypothesis directed at specific issues in their teaching environment. The papers follow American Psychological Association (APA) format. Papers in this volume include: (1) Will the Use of Grade Trackers in the Orchestra Classroom Improve Sectional Attendance and Overall Grades? (Julianne Dahlin); (2) Will Listening to Classical Music Before and During Tests Help Students Improve Their Test Scores? (Craig Erickson); (3) Will Studying for Spelling Tests Increase Scores if Time is Spent in Class Studying in Entertaining Ways? (Jane Erickson); (4) Do Speedskins[TM] Increase Student Typing Speed and Accuracy? (Chris Fernholz); and (5) Repeated Oral Reading and the Effects on Reading Fluency of First Grade Students (Molly Fernholz). (Individual papers contain references.) [Abstract modified to meet ERIC guidelines.]

These papers are partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Science Degree in Education at Winona State University in Winona, Minnesota. The cohort included a variety of licensure areas that represent most levels and content areas of K-12 education. The students were encouraged to keep their questions and hypothesis directed at specific issues in their teaching environment. The papers follow American Psychological Association (APA) format. Papers in this volume include: (1) Will the Implementation of Individualized Self-Paced Instruction via the Accelerated Math Software Program Improve Math Competency for Target math Students? (William Theisen); (2) Will the Ongoing Practice of Presidential Physical Fitness Skills Help Students to Improve Their Fitness Testing Scores throughout Eight Weeks? (Jacob Tietje); (3) Will Teaching Eighth Grade Reading through Fiction or Nonfiction Produce Greater Achievement on Diagnostic Testing? (Benjamin Volker); (4) Does Student Academic Achievement Increase when Parents Have Online Access to Grades? (Andrew Wieme); (5) Will Earlier Exposure to High-Frequency Words, Compared to Gradual Exposure, Increase Students' Mastery of These Words? (Kelly Yolch); and (6) Does Timed Practice versus Not Timed Practice Affect the Mastery of Multiplication Facts (Erika Youlden). (Individual papers contain references.) [Abstract modified to meet ERIC guidelines.]

These papers are partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Science Degree in Education at Winona State University in Winona, Minnesota. The cohort included a variety of licensure areas that represent most levels and content areas of K-12 education. The students were encouraged to keep their questions and hypothesis directed at specific issues in their teaching environment. The papers follow American Psychological Association (APA) format. Papers in this volume include: (1) Will Listening to Different Genres of Music in the Learning Environment Decrease the Levels of Stress for Students? (Chris Otterness); (2) Will Maintaining a Vocabulary List in Social Studies Improve Writing Levels of High School Seniors? (John Pittenger); (3) Will a Support Math Class for a Semester Help Low-Ability Eighth Grade Students Raise Their Scores on the Minnesota Basic Skills Test? (Nicole Pittenger); (4) Will Gradual Movement from Extrinsic to Intrinsic Reinforcers Decrease a Student's Dependence on Extrinsic Rewards? (Ryan Raabe); (5) Does the Use of Flash Cards Increase Comprehension and Retention of Vocabulary Terms for Middle School Science Students? (John Rud); and (6) Implementing Math Skills Games into the Classroom on a Daily Basis Will Improve Students' Performance on Computation Assessments in Math (Mindy Scheel). (Individual papers contain references.) [Abstract modified to meet ERIC guidelines.]

These papers are partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Science Degree in Education at Winona State University in Winona, Minnesota. The cohort included a variety of licensure areas that represent most levels and content areas of K-12 education. The students were encouraged to keep their questions and hypothesis directed at specific issues in their teaching environment. The papers follow American Psychological Association (APA) format. Papers in this volume include: (1) Teaching with a Logical-Mathematical Style Ensures Higher Science Test Scores in Physical Science Students (Emily Hagg); (2) The Effects of Differentiated Instruction Reading Comprehension Homework on Northwest Evaluation Association Reading Assessment Performance of Second Grade Students (Ryan Haraldson); (3) The Effect of the Accelerated Math Program on the Minnesota Basic Skills Test Scores of Ninth Graders (Margarret Hongerholt); (4) Children's Behavior Will Be Affected in a Positive Manner by Going from a Mixed Gender Classroom to a Same Gender Classroom (Michael Kesler); and (5) Does the Use of a Word of the Day to Teach High-Frequency Words Help Students Read and Write the Word More Successfully? (Saundra Lovelace). (Individual papers contain references.) [Abstract modified to meet ERIC guidelines.]

These papers are partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Master of Science Degree in Education at Winona State University in Winona, Minnesota. The cohort included a variety of licenser areas that represent most levels and content areas of K-12 education. The students were encouraged to keep their questions and hypothesis directed at specific issues in their teaching environment. The papers follow American Psychological Association (APA) format. Papers in this document include: (1) Will Including High School Content Area Teachers in The Library Collection Updating Process Increase Circulation of Materials? (Erin Foster); (2) Will Applying Direct Instruction Improve Student Scores? (Carrie Johnson); (3) Will A Morning Check-In Time With Each Student, Along With A Charting Program Requiring A Parent Signature, Improve The Students' Success With Homework Completion? (Melissa Klapperich); (4) Does The Format of A Test Increase or Decrease the Average Performance Level Achieved By Students? (Janelle Lund); (5) How Does A Level System That Includes Having Students With Emotional or Behavioral Disabilities Graph Their Individual Education Plan Goals Increase Progress towards Their Goals? (Nicole Meyer); (6) Will Student-Led Conferences Increase Student Accountability? (Susan Munroe); (7) Will Students' Long-Term Retention of Spanish Vocabulary Improve if The Words Are Presented To Them in A Manner That Is Experiential, Comprehensible, Enjoyable, And Free Of Assessment Related Stress? (Anne Simon); (8) Will Smart Centers Allow Kindergartners To Learn Independently And Stay On Task? (Michelle Spitzack); (9) Does Spending The Ninth Grade in A Small, Alternative, Educational Setting Improve Student Performance Academically? (Molly Thorson); and (10) Will The Transition Training Manual and Transition Training Session Increase The Special Education Teacher's Ability To Write IEPs That Meet Current Law Requirements Under IDEA '97? (Annie Thompson). (Individual papers contain references.) [ERIC abstract modified to meet ERIC guidelines.]

This collection contains 75 papers or summaries presented at a 1999 conference on self-study and institutional improvement for institutions of higher education. Papers are grouped into these chapters (with sample topics in parentheses): (1) "Case Studies in Collaboration: Culture of Collaboration" (cooperation; partnerships in education); (2) "Case Studies in Collaboration: Learning Resources" (institutional cooperation; technology use); (3) "Case Studies in Collaboration: Collaboration with Industry/Employers" (partnerships with industry); (4) "Case Studies in Collaboration: Articulation Agreements, Contracts, and Academic Programs" (models for cooperation); (5) "Case Studies in Collaboration: International Education" (international educational partnerships); (6) "Case Studies in Collaboration: Partnerships with Schools" (university-school cooperation); (7) "Program Review" (program evaluation); (8) "General Education/Critical Thinking" (critical thinking in the undergraduate experience); (9) "Assessment of Student Academic Achievement" (student evaluation); (10) "The Role of Institutional Planning in Collaboration and Self-Study" (strategic planning and evaluation); (11) "Coordinating the Self-Study Process" (evaluation for accreditation); (12) "Self-Study and Evaluation: Practical Advice" (technology; educational improvement); and (13) "Coordinating Special Types of Evaluations" (focused visits; accreditation planning). Most papers contain references. (SLD)

The Research for Better Schools Urban Education Project provides a different framework from current education-reform efforts for restructuring urban schools and improving educational quality. This volume organizes a set of invited papers according to the Urban Learner Framework themes of cultural diversity and learning, unrecognized abilities and underdeveloped potential, enhanced achievement through motivation, and effort, and resilience. The decisionmaking framework integrates the new vision of the urban learner, as expressed in four themes with four areas central to the functioning of schools, namely: curriculum, instruction, and assessment; staff development; school environment; and management. Papers and their authors are as follows: (1) "A New Vision of the Urban Learner" (Eric J. Cooper); (2) "Cultural Compatibility and Diversity: Implications for the Urban Classroom" (Roland G. Tharp); (3) "The New Age of Discovery: The Hidden Talents of America's Urban Youth" (Ernesto M. Bernal); (4) "Enhancing Achievement through Expectation and Effort" (Shin-Ying Lee); (5) "Developing Resilience in Youth in Urban America" (Linda F. Winfield); (6) "Linking Urban Students to the 21st Century" (Beau Fly Jones); (7) "Redesigning the 'Vision' through Staff and Professional Development" (Yvette E. Jackson); (8) "The Researching and Inquiring Manager: Responding to the Urban Learner; Working toward Culturally Appropriate Education" (James H. Lytle); and (9) "The Interconnections between Classroom, Cultural, and Natural Systems Ecologies: Understanding the Deep Characteristics of Culture as a Basis of Teacher Decisionmaking in Urban Settings" (C. A. Bowers). References follow each paper. (GLR)

This document contains five papers. "Vocational Teacher Education in U.S. Colleges and Universities and Its Responsiveness to the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act of 1990" (Richard L. Lynch) documents the trend toward decreasing enrollments in teacher training programs in virtually all vocational fields. "Occupational Experience as the Basis for Alternative Teacher Certification in Vocational Education" (Richard L. Lynch) establishes that occupational experience is an inadequate substitute for formal teacher preparation in vocational education. "Curricular Tracks and High School Vocational Education" (James A. Kulik) demonstrates that most of the difference between vocational and academic students' test scores is due to students' characteristics rather than the nature of vocational education. "The Impact of Academic Course Work on Labor Market Outcomes for Youth Who Do Not Attend College: A Research Review" (Adam Gamoran) documents the importance of a solid foundation in basic academic skills. "The Effect of High School Vocational Education on Academic Achievement Gain and High School Persistence: Evidence from NELS:88 (National Education Longitudinal Study of 1988)" (Kenneth A. Rasinski, Steven Pedlow) suggests that the benefits of vocational education for high school completion may occur by improving students' success in courses. (MN)

The papers in this volume describe how states have incorporated academic standards into their education goals. As part of the National Education Goals Panel, this collection of essays describes how nine states have recently implemented these standards, discusses how textbooks and teaching could help students reach the standards, and provides information on the resources and advice available from the professional organizations that developed national standards in mathematics and science. The text is divided into four parts. The first section, "Current State Policy and Standards," focuses on efforts to improve mathematics and science education in light of the Third International Mathematics and Science Study. It looks at standards-based reform in nine states and asks how these standards have persisted or changed. The second session addresses special issues relating to teachers and textbooks, with topics on teaching for high standards and overcoming structural barriers to good textbooks. The third section details special issues relating to math and science and describes the role of national policy standards in state policy, as well as benchmark and standards as tools for science education reform. The last section presents the National Education Goals Panel Statement on voluntary national education content standards. (Contains 12 references.) (RJM)

This publication contains 54 papers on self-study and improvement in institutions of higher education, particularly those institutions associated with the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The papers are grouped under 10 topic headings. These chapters include: (1) four papers on seeking initial affiliation, candidacy, and accreditation with the commission; (2) nine papers on the role and the responsibilities of the self-study coordinator; (3) six papers on the special challenges and opportunities presented by self-study and evaluation; (4) fourteen papers on the assessment of student academic achievement; (5) six papers on general education and faculty development evaluation; (6) two papers on organization and management issues; (7) three papers on educational planning; (8) five papers on collaborative programs; (9) four papers on technology issues; and (10) one paper on the effectiveness of peer review. (MDM)

Changes in digital technology offer significant opportunities to advance the quality of education for students and faculty. Technology can serve as a vehicle to expand the educational reach. Perspectives on changing higher education to fulfill the promise of educational technology are offered in the following papers: (1) "Introduction: Reengineering Teaching and Learning" (Robert C. Heterick, Jr.); (2) "Silicon in the Grove: Computing, Teaching, and Learning in the American Research University" (Richard N. Katz); (3) "Reengineering of Student Learning? A Second Opinion from Camelot" (David L. Smallen); (4) "Community Colleges: Using Information Technologies To Harness Winds of Change" (Ronald Bleed); (5) "Comprehensive Universities Refocusing for the Next Century" (Thomas W. West and Stephen L. Daigle); (6) "Information Technology--Enabling Transformation" (Carol A. Twigg); (7) "A Third Opinion from Camelot" (Thomas F. Moberg); (8) "Growing Our Academic Productivity" (Polley Ann McClure); and (9) "Reengineering or Just Tinkering?" (Don Doucette). A list of 17 resources for additional information is included. (SLD)

Teachers of English language learners in 21st-century classrooms face a daunting task. The nature of language is complex, learners' needs are diverse, academic content challenges students, and the demand for accountability is an educational reality. "Paper to Practice: Using the TESOL English Language Proficiency Standards in PreK-12 Classrooms" offers sound advice and practical steps for confronting these challenges. As a companion to TESOL's 2006 "PreK-12 English Language Proficiency Standards, Paper to Practice" illustrates how the TESOL standards can function as a starting point for action in all classrooms serving English language learners. "Paper to Practice" is organized in two sections. Section I, on how to approach the standards, analyzes the language of school, elaborates on the components of the TESOL English language proficiency standards, and examines how the standards exemplify the academic language required for student achievement. Section II, on how to implement standards-based instruction and assessment, encourages collaboration among educators in their efforts to use the English language proficiency standards in developing meaningful curricula and instructional practices for English language learners. In each chapter, Guiding Questions stimulate discussion, Vignettes contextualize the content in a variety of settings, Tasks spark new ideas, and Reflect and Respond sections encourage application of the key themes. The book's format is ideal for use in personal study as well as pre-service or in-service workshops. "Paper to Practice" offers a wealth of information and ideas for educators seeking to infuse the TESOL English language proficiency standards into curriculum, instruction, and assessment. By working together to implement a standards-based language curriculum framework, teachers can contribute to a cohesive and equitable educational system for all.

This paper describes the implementation of a Mastery Learning approach to instruction at Olive-Harvey College (OHC) in Chicago, and outlines planning and operating procedures for its implementation at other institutions. This approach was attempted at OHC as a response to the decreasing abilities of entering students, after many other innovative techniques had been tried with limited success. The Mastery Learning strategy rested on a foundation of fundamental propositions about learning, and seemed specially in accord with the community college's philosophic emphasis on instruction. The paper describes the development of course objectives, establishment of achievement criteria, definition of learning units and identification of learning elements, and the construction of diagnostic tests and prescriptive remedial materials. In general, the Mastery Learning approach has been judged successful at OHC; although some problems have been encountered, a greater level of achievement has been attained by students in Mastery Learning classes. Mastery Learning has permitted traditional group instruction within the fixed academic calendar. It has not required administrative restructuring, complex instructional hardware, curricular change, or a large budget allocation; thus it lends itself to implementation in many different college situations. (BB)

In this inaugural issue of "Brookings Papers on Education Policy" a varied group of scholars considers different dimensions of student performance. Several contributors try to offer a clear picture of how American students are performing as compared with their international peers and with the past. The following are included: (1) "Introduction" (Diane Ravitch); (2) "An Examination of American Student Achievement from an International Perspective" (Harold W. Stevenson and Shinying Lee); (3) "An Assessment of the Contemporary Debate over U.S. Achievement" (Lawrence C. Stedman); (4) "The Effects of Upgrading Policies on High School Mathematics and Science" (Andrew C. Porter); (5) "Uncompetitive American Schools: Causes and Cures" (Herbert J. Walberg); (6) "Radical Constructivism and Cognitive Psychology" (John R. Anderson, Lynne M. Reder, and Herbert A. Simon); (7) "The Use and Misuse of Research in Educational Reform" (Tom Loveless); (8) "Standards Outside the Classroom" (Laurence Steinberg); and (9) "Remediation in Higher Education: Its Extent and Cost" (David W. Breneman). Commentary by a scholar in the field follows each contribution. (Contains 25 figures, 15 tables, and 12 exhibits.) (SLD)

In a recent report, Lewis Solmon, Kern Paark, and David Garcia (2001) seek to identify the impact of attending charter schools on student achievement using data from Arizona. Based on a sophisticated statistical analysis, these authors report that charter school attendance increases test score gains of students. This note raises some questions about the interpretation of the results reported and some questions about the empirical approach and underlying data. First, the report relies on a 2-x-2 evaluation design with type of school (charter or traditional) attended in a base year as the rows and type of school in the ensuing year as the columns. The report compares the observations in a cell of the design matrix to all other cells. This note questions the validity of that approach and suggests that the way that the data were constructed allows comparisons only across the rows. Second, the note questions whether grade level was used in the data matching procedure used to construct the comparison sample. Third, the note questions whether sex was used as a covariate in the outcomes equation and whether building or district fixed effects were used to control for unobservable factors at those aggregate levels. Finally, the note suggests that marginal costs are more appropriate for a cost-benefit or cost effectiveness analysis than average costs, which were used in the summary section of the report. (Author)

School reform leaders in Chicago (Illinois), Denver (Colorado), New York (New York), Seattle (Washington), Philadelphia (Pennsylvania), and Los Angeles (California) created the Cross City Campaign to work for the improvement of urban education so that all students are prepared for postsecondary education, work, and citizenship. This paper, from the Working Paper series of the Campaign, discusses various definitions of community and the types of school and community collaborations. It also identifies a conceptual framework for understanding the assumptions and activities for each type of community involvement. Review of hundreds of examples of school and community partnerships suggests that they are characterized by at least five different emphases. Although there is some overlap among these categories, the following emphases are commonly found: (1) provision of services to meet youth needs; (2) schools and community as educational partners; (3) schools and community as partners in youth development; (4) school and community collaborations for community and economic development; and (5) redefining schools as educational and participatory communities. Collaborations that view schools and communities as vital partners seem to have significant promise for urban school reform. Six case studies illustrate some partnerships in action. A list of 42 resource organizations is attached. (Contains 16 references.) (SLD)

This volume contains papers submitted to the 11th Annual International Conference of the Bulgarian Comparative Education Society (BCES), held in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, 14-17 May 2013, and papers submitted to the 1st International Distance Partner Conference, organized by the International Research Centre "Scientific Cooperation," Rostov-on-Don, Russia. The 11th BCES Conference theme is "Education in One World: Perspectives from Different Nations." The Distance Partner Conference theme is "Contemporary Science and Education in a Globally Competitive Environment." The book consists of 92 papers, written by 141 authors, and grouped into 7 parts. Parts 1-4 comprise papers submitted to the 11th BCES Conference, and Parts 5-7 comprise papers submitted to the Distance Partner Conference. Studies presented in the book cover all levels of the educational system--preschool, primary, secondary, postsecondary, and higher education. Topics in the field of general, special, and vocational education are examined. Methodologies used in the studies represent a multiplicity of research methods, models, strategies, styles, and approaches. Various types of studies can be seen--national and international, case and comparative, descriptive and analytical, theoretical and empirical, historical and contemporary, scientific and essayistic, and critical and indifferent. The following papers are included in this volume: (1) Editorial Preface (Nikolay Popov, Charl Wolhuter, Patrícia Albergaria Almeida, Gillian Hilton, James Ogunleye, and Oksana Chigisheva); and (2) Introduction: Globalization in the One World--Impacts on Education in Different Nations (Nicholas Sun-Keung Pang). Part 1: Comparative Education & History of Education--(3) William Russell on Schools in Bulgaria (Nikolay Popov and Amra Sabic-El-Rayess); (4) Prolegomena to an International-Comparative Education Research Project on Religion in Education (Charl Wolhuter); (5) Perspectives on Tolerance in Education Flowing from a Comparison of Religion Education in Estonia and South Africa (Johannes L. van der Walt); (6) Perspectives on Tolerance in Education Flowing from a Comparison of Religion Education in Mexico and Thailand (Ferdinand J. Potgieter); (7) Do Teachers Receive Proper In-Service Training to Implement Changing Policies: Perspective from the South African Case? (Elize du Plessis); (8) Towards understanding different faces of school violence in different "worlds" of one country (Lynette Jacobs); (9) Transforming Life Skills Education into a Life-Changing Event: The Case of the Musical "The Green Crystal" (Amanda S. Potgieter); (10) Accessing Social Grants to Meet Orphan Children School Needs: Namibia and South Africa Perspective (Simon Taukeni and Taole Matshidiso); (11) Educational achievement as defining factor in social stratification in contemporary Spain (Manuel Jacinto Roblizo Colmenero); and (12) From Times of Transition to Adaptation: Background and Theoretical Approach to the Curriculum Reform in Estonia 1987-1996 (Vadim Rouk). Part 2: Pre-Service and In-Service Teacher Training & Learning and Teaching Styles--(13) What lessons to take from educational reforms in Asia-Pacific region? Factors that may influence the restructuring of secondary education in East Timor (Ana Capelo, Maria Arminda Pedrosa, and Patrícia Albergaria Almeida); (14) The Culture of Experiential Community Based Learning: Developing Cultural Awareness in Pre-Service Teachers (Alida J. Droppert); (15) Theory in Educational Research and Practice in Teacher Education (Leonie G. Higgs); (16) Comparative study of learning styles in higher education students from the Hidalgo State Autonomous University, in Mexico (Emma Leticia Canales Rodríguez and Octaviano Garcia Robelo); (17) Equity and Competitiveness: Contradictions between the Identification of Educational Skills and Educational Achievements (Amelia Molina García); (18) Adult Reading in a Foreign Language: A Necessary Competence for Knowledge Society (Marta Elena Guerra-Treviño); (19) The teaching profession as seen by pre-service teachers: A comparison study of Israel and Turkey (Zvia Markovits and Sadik Kartal); (20) Teaching/learning theories--How they are perceived in contemporary educational landscape (Sandra Ozola and Maris Purvins); (21) Learning Paths in Academic Setting: Research Synthesis (Snežana Mirkov); (22) Innovation Can Be Learned (Stanka Setnikar Cankar and Franc Cankar); (23) Rethinking Pedagogy: English Language Teaching Approaches (Gertrude Shotte); (24) Repercussions of Teaching Training in the Sociology of Work in Mexico (Claudio-Rafael Vasquez-Martinez, Graciela Giron, Magali Zapata-Landeros, Antonio Ayòn- Bañuelos, and Maria Morfin-Otero); (25) Listening to the Voices of Pre-Service Student Teachers from Teaching Practice: The Challenges of Implementing the English as a Second Language Curriculum (Cathrine Ngwaru); (26) In-Service Training and Professional Development of Teachers in Nigeria: Through Open and Distance Education (Martha Nkechinyere Amadi); (27) Symbols of Hyphenated Identity Drawing Maps (IDM) for Arab and Jewish Students at the University of Haifa (Rachel Hertz-Lazarowitz, Abeer Farah, and Tamar Zelniker); (28) The contemporary transdisciplinary approach as a methodology to aid students of humanities and social sciences (Petia Todorova); (29) Instructional Objectives: Selecting and Devising Tasks (Milo Mileff); and (30) Problem Orientated Education on the Basis of Hyper-Coded Texts (Play and Heuristic) (Valeri Lichev). Part 3: Education Policy, Reforms and School Leadership--(31) Using e-learning to enhance the learning of additional languages--A pilot comparative study (Gillian L. S. Hilton); (32) Challenges of Democratisation: Development of Inclusive Education in Serbia (Vera Spasenovic and Slavica Maksic); (33) Nurturing child imagination in the contemporary world: Perspectives from different nations (Slavica Maksic and Zoran Pavlovic); (34) The abusive school principal: A South African case study (Corene de Wet); (35) Thinking Styles of Primary School Teachers in Beijing, China (Ying Wang and Nicholas Sun-Keung Pang); (36) Breaking the cycle of poverty through early literacy support and teacher empowerment in Early Childhood Education (J. Marriote Ngwaru); (37) Designing Cooperative Learning in the Science Classroom: Integrating the Peer Tutoring Small Investigation Group (PTSIG) within the Model of the Six Mirrors of the Classroom Model (Reuven Lazarowitz, Rachel Hertz-Lazarowitz, Mahmood Khalil, and Salit Ron); and (38) The Effects of Educational Reform (Claudio-Rafael Vasquez-Martinez, Graciela Giron, Ivan De-La-Luz-Arellano, and Antonio Ayon-Bañuelos). Part 4: Higher Education, Lifelong Learning and Social Inclusion--(39) Interactions between vocational education and training and the labour market in Europe: A case study of Ireland's formalised feedback mechanisms (James Ogunleye); (40) At the Intersections of Resistance: Turkish Immigrant Women in German Schools (Katie Gaebel); (41) Intellectual capital import for the benefit of higher education (Airita Brenca and Aija Gravite); (42) Lessons from the training programme for women with domestic violence experience (Marta Anczewska, Joanna Roszczynska-Michta, Justyna Waszkiewicz, Katarzyna Charzynska, and Czeslaw Czabala); (43) Loneliness and depression among Polish university students: Preliminary findings from a longitudinal study (Pawel Grygiel, Piotr Switaj, Marta Anczewska, Grzegorz Humenny, Slawomir Rebisz, and Justyna Sikorska); (44) Psychosocial difficulties experienced by people diagnosed with schizophrenia--Barriers to social inclusion (Marta Anczewska, Piotr Switaj, Joanna Roszczynska-Michta, Anna Chrostek, and Katarzyna Charzynska); (45) Lifelong Learning from Ethical Perspective (Krystyna Najder-Stefaniak); (46) Contemporary perspectives in adult education and lifelong learning--Andragogical model of learning (Iwona Blaszczak); (47) Examining the reasons black male youths give for committing crime with reference to inner city areas of London (Elizabeth Achinewhu-Nworgu, Chioma Nworgu, Steve Azaiki, and Helen Nworgu); (48) Restructuring Nigerian Tertiary (University) Education for Better Performance (Stephen Adebanjo Oyebade and Chika Dike); (49) Keeping abreast of continuous change and contradictory discourses (Marie J. Myers); (50) Process Management in Universities--Recent Perspectives in the Context of Quality Management Oriented towards Excellence (Veronica Adriana Popescu, Gheorghe N. Popescu, and Cristina Raluca Popescu); (51) Greek Primary Education in the Context of the European Life Long Learning Area (George Stamelos, Andreas Vassilopoulos, and Marianna Bartzakli); (52) Bologna Process Principles Integrated into Education System of Kazakhstan (Olga Nessipbayeva); (53) Methodology of poetic works teaching by means of innovative technologies (Bayan Kerimbekova) [title provided in English and Bulgarian, paper is in Bulgarian]; (54) About the use of innovations in the process of official Kazakh language teaching in level on the basis of the European standards (Kuralay Mukhamadi) [title provided in English and Bulgarian, paper is in Bulgarian]; and (55) A Study of Para-Verbal Characteristics in Education Discourse (Youri Ianakiev) [title provided in English and Bulgarian, abstract in English, and paper in Bulgarian]. Part 5: Educational Development Strategies in Different Countries and Regions of the World: National, Regional and Global Levels [title is in English and Bulgarian]--(56) Establishing sustainable higher education partnerships in a globally competitive environment (Oksana Chigisheva); (57) Modernising education: International dialogue and cooperation (Elena Orekhova and Liudmila Polunina); (58) The communication between speech therapist and parents as a way of correction work improvement with children having poor speech (Elena Popova) [title is in English and Bulgarian, paper in Bulgarian]; (59) ESP teaching at the institutions of higher education in modern Russia: Problems and perspectives (Nadezhda Prudnikova); (60) Competency-based approach to education in international documents and theoretical researches of educators in Great Britain (Olga Voloshina-Pala); (61) EU strategies of integrating ICT into initial teacher training (Vitaliya Garapko); (62) Socialisation channels of the personality at the present development stage of the Russian society (Evgenii Alisov) [title and abstract in English and Bulgarian, paper in Bulgarian]; (63) Perspectives of competence approach introduction into the system of philological training of language and literature teachers (Elena Zhindeeva and Elena Isaeva) [title and abstract in English and Bulgarian, paper in Bulgarian]; (64) Organization of special education in the primary school of the European Union (Yelena Yarovaya) [title and abstract in English and Bulgarian, paper in Bulgarian]; (65) Formation of professionally-innovative creative sphere of future Master degree students in the Kazakhstan system of musical education (Gulzada Khussainova) [title and abstract in English and Bulgarian, paper in Bulgarian]; (66) Ethnocultural component in the contemporary musical education of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Gulnar Alpeisova) [title in English and Bulgarian, abstract in English, and paper in Bulgarian]; (67) The main tendencies of scientific research within doctoral studies of PhD (Yermek Kamshibayev) [title and abstract in English and Bulgarian, paper in Bulgarian]; (68) Organizational and pedagogical conditions of education quality improvement in the professional college (Igor Artemyev and Alexander Zyryanov) [title and abstract in English and Bulgarian, paper in Bulgarian]; (69) The imperative of responsibility in a global society as a determinant of educational strategy development (Irina Rebeschenkova) [title and abstract in English and Bulgarian, paper in Bulgarian]; (70) Pedagogical understanding of diversification of mathematical education as a strategy of development of vocational training at the university (Irina Allagulova) [title and abstract in English and Bulgarian, paper in Bulgarian]; (71) Prerequisites of the establishment and evolution of concepts and categories on the problem of ethnic and art competence formation (Leonora Bachurina and Elena Bystray) [title and abstract in English and Bulgarian, paper in Bulgarian]; (72) Education institutionalization as a stratification manipulator (Oksana Strikhar) [title and abstract in English and Bulgarian, paper in Bulgarian]; (73) The Concept of Teaching Musical Art on the Basis of Using Interscientific Connections at the Lessons (Oksana Strikhar) [title and abstract in English and Bulgarian, paper in Bulgarian]; and (74) The key strategic priorities of the development of the additional professional education at the Economic University. Regional aspect (Evelina Pecherskaya) [title and abstract in English and Bulgarian, paper in Bulgarian]. Part 6: Key Directions and Characteristics of Research Organization in Contemporary World [title in English and Bulgarian]--(75) Metaphors in the press: The effectiveness of working with newspaper tropes to improve foreign language competence (Galina Zashchitina); (76) Legal portion in Russian inheritance law (Roza Inshina and Lyudmila Murzalimova); (77) Formation of healthy (sanogenic) educational environment in innovative conditions (Anatoly Madzhuga and Elvira Ilyasova) [title and abstract in English and Bulgarian, paper in Bulgarian]; (78) "The Sacred Truth" (T. Bondarev's teaching as an element of L. N. Tolstoy's philosophy) (Valentina Litvinova) [title in English and Bulgarian, abstract in English, paper in Bulgarian]; (79) The destiny of man (Vasiliy Shlepin) [title and abstract in English and Bulgarian, paper in Bulgarian]; (80) Diversity of the world in the culture of the city Astana (Gulnar Alpeisova) [title in English and Bulgarian, abstract in English, paper in Bulgarian]; (81) The study of self-expression and culture of self-expression in pedagogy and psychology in the context of the problems of tolerant pedagogical communication (Elizaveta Omelchenko and Lubov Nemchinova) [title and abstract in English and Bulgarian, paper in Bulgarian]; (82) Infrastructural support of innovative entrepreneurship development in Ukraine (Iryna Prylutskaya) [title and abstract in English and Bulgarian, paper in Bulgarian]; (83) Guidelines and peculiarities of network mechanisms of an organization running (Natalia Fomenko) [title and abstract in English and Bulgarian, paper in Bulgarian]; (84) The influence of information technologies on medical activity and the basic lines of medical services (on the example of the portal of the state services) (Nataliya Muravyeva) [title and abstract in English and Bulgarian, paper in Bulgarian]; (85) Economic expediency of the integration cooperation between pharmaceutical complex of Russia and the CIS (Natalia Klunko) [title and abstract in English and Bulgarian, paper in Bulgarian]; (86) Research of prospects of the Russian tourism (Tatyana Sidorina, Marina Artamonova, Olga Likhtanskaya, and Ekaterina Efremova) [title and abstract in English and Bulgarian, paper in Bulgarian]; and (87) The influence of globalization on contemporary costume changes (Julia Muzalevskaya) [title and abstract in English and Bulgarian, paper in Bulgarian]. Part 7: International Scientific and Educational Cooperation for the Solution of Contemporary Global Issues: From Global Competition to World Integration [title in English and Bulgarian]--(88) An overview on Gender problem in Modern English (Daria Tuyakaeva); (89) Focus-group as a qualitative method for study of compliance in cardiovascular disease patients (Olga Semenova, Elizaveta Naumova, and Yury Shwartz); (90) The development of the social and initiative personality of children in the system of additional education (Andrei Matveev) [title and abstract in English and Bulgarian, paper in Bulgarian]; (91) Proceedings in criminal cases in respect of juveniles in the Criminal Procedure Code of Russia and Ukraine: Comparative and legal aspect (Vitaliy Dudarev) [title and abstract in English and Bulgarian, paper in Bulgarian]; (92) Some implementation issues of the UN Convention against transnational organized crime in the criminal legislation (A case of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation) (Gulnur Yensebayeva and Gulnur Tuleubayeva) [title and abstract in English and Bulgarian, paper in Bulgarian]; and (93) Hepatitis B immunization in children with hematological malignancies (Umida Salieva, Lubov Lokteva, Malika Daminova, and Naira Alieva) [title and abstract in English and Bulgarian, paper in Bulgarian]. A list of contributors is included. (Individual papers contain references.) [For Volume 10 (2012), see ED567040.]

Developing countries spend hundreds of billions of dollars each year on schools, educational materials and teachers, but relatively little is known about how effective these expenditures are at increasing students' years of completed schooling and, more importantly, the skills that they learn while in school. This paper examines studies published between 1990 and 2010, in both the education literature and the economics literature, to investigate which specific school and teacher characteristics, if any, appear to have strong positive impacts on learning and time in school. Starting with over 9,000 studies, 79 are selected as being of sufficient quality. Then an even higher bar is set in terms of econometric methods used, leaving 43 "high quality" studies. Finally, results are also shown separately for 13 randomized trials. The estimated impacts on time in school and learning of most school and teacher characteristics are statistically insignificant, especially when the evidence is limited to the "high quality" studies. The few variables that do have significant effects--e.g. availability of desks, teacher knowledge of the subjects they teach, and teacher absence--are not particularly surprising and thus provide little guidance for future policies and programs.

This is the seventh of eight volumes consisting of series of publications of the Center for the Study of Liberal Education for Adults (CSLEA), such as Notes and Essays, Research Reports, Occasional Papers, and Conference Reports. These materials provide both theory and practice in the area of non-credit liberal education offered by colleges and universities. This volume contains five numbers in the CSLEA Research Report series and one in the Occasional Papers series. Research Report titles include (1) New Directions in Programming for University Adult Education; (2) The Part-Time College Teacher; (3) Ability and Achievement of Evening College and Extension Students; (4) Why Students Drop Out: A Study of Evening College Student Motivations; and (5) Cumulative Indexes: Association of University Evening College Proceedings, 1948-58, and National University Extension Association Proceedings, 1915-57. The Occasional Paper is We Need a Philosophy. (YLB)

This book discusses schools--the effects of curriculum change and the reasons why some children are successful in school and others are not. Its purpose is to present evidence of the contribution of contemporary research in the sociology of education to the understanding of education and of society. The collection of research studies represents some well-known theorists, a number of unpublished papers, some papers that have not been obtainable outside their countries of origin, and a few papers translated into English for the first time. In the introduction, the editor discusses implications of the papers that are presented in the book and suggests possible future directions for research. The papers, preceded by a brief editorial introduction, are divided into five categories: distribution of educational achievement, ecology of educational provision, organization of the school, roles and interaction in the school, and values and learning. Several research papers are presented for each topic. (Author/ND)

The first paper aims to give a certain relativity to the significance of education and to indicate the limitations of any educational effort. The thinking underlying the current approach to the economic development of native communities and reserves is discussed as well as the implications and consequences of such thinking. It is argued that the success of any educational effort depends on the overall employment situation at the level of the reserve or at any level for that matter. Utilizing the concept of a "natural resource system", which combines the analysis of ecological, economic, and social variables into a coherent framework, the second article delineates the process that changed wild rice from a subsistence staple crop to what will be a heavily capitalized agricultural industry. It is shown that the Indians, who were the original exploiters of this natural resource, have lost more and more of their control over the economic activity, and that this diminishing control is not due to any cultural inabilities on the part of the Indians. Rather it is shown that the Euro-Americans have assumed more and more control over wild rice because of the vast financial institutions which have encouraged this development, from the Hudson's Bay Company in earlier days to major food industries today. It is argued that the "developments" in the wild rice industry are in fact detrimental to the interests of the Indian population, and that the changes in this industry in effect contribute to the development of underdevelopment on Indian reserves. (AUTHOR/NQ)

The following nine papers were presented to the Open Court Editorial Advisory Board Meeting, 1974. In "National Assessment of Educational Progress" J. Stanley Ahmann provides an overview of assessment aims, construction, and results. Jacques Barzun discusses the history of educational theory in "The Use of Tradition in Educational Disputes". In "Crisis in British Education," Rhodes Boyson explores declining standards of achievement as a result of neoprogressivism. Cleanth Brooks suggests the use of literature, poetry in particular, to illuminate the past in "Combined Studies Program: Literary Elements." Peter Hilton discusses five problems peculiar to higher education and applies that discussion to education in general in "Some Problems of Contemporary Education." Banesh Hoffman provides examples of the lack of objectivity in objective tests in "On The Mechanization of Evaluation." in "Reflections on the Disorder of Our Times," Sidney Hook appeals for rationality in our ideas about social order. Albert Williams Levi contributes "History and Philosophy in the International Baccalaureate." Ralph A. Smith outlines a sane educational theory and pedagogy for art instruction in "The 'New' Appreciation of Art." (JH) Aspect of National Assessment (NAEP) dealt with in this document: Program Description.

The paper examines interpretations of educational development in western Europe since the 1960s and suggests that equality of opportunity has been the most pervasive theme underlying educational policy and development. Most often used to describe educational development are (1) demographic and economic data, (2) analyses of structural changes in the educational system, and (3) evaluation of the changing role of education vis-a-vis the social system generally. None of the descriptions has the historical perspective to convey the extent or the true nature of educational change which has resulted from the substitution of public education for the church as the principal transmitter of values and beliefs. A better measure of educational development is the value change reflected in public policy. A major result of the policy shift toward public education rather than religious education has been an increase in equality of opportunity. Three interpretations of equality of opportunity presently prevail in European nations: (1) predestinative (division of secondary schools into vocational and college preparatory); (2) redemptive (equal life chances for all students, regardless of academic ability); and (3) dissenting (alternative schools, lifelong education, and individual curriculum). The conclusion is that educational development must be understood as a combination of past and present values and that educational systems must cease to be, or to be considered, purveyors of a particular orthodoxy. (Author/DB)

The five papers included in this collection illustrate the current concerns of those involved in the development and implementation of assessment procedures. A one year in-course assessment procedure conducted at Leicester University is described, including the advantages and disadvantages of the procedure. The problems of interpreting the results of overall assessment grades at open universities and the future possibilities for a procedure involving criterion-based elements, norm-based elements and student skill profiles are discussed in an article on assessment at the Open University of University College, Cardiff. The use of objective tests at the tests at the City and Guilds of London Institute (CGLI) are described. The advantages of objective tests include thorough and uniform syllabus coverage, reduced emphasis on penmanship, reliability marking, statistical analysis, rapid issue of results, and increased opportunity for teacher participation. The author contends that objective tests can be utilized for in-course, entry, and end-of-term evaluations. The use of data processing in assessment at CGLI is outlined including computer analysis and distribution, result analysis, item analysis, and test statistics for objective tests. Selection of criteria and methods for the assessment of students are discussed, with particular reference to the practice of Britain's National Examination Board in Supervisory Studies. (JAC)

This is the ninth in a series of volumes consisting of a series of publications from the Center for the Study of Liberal Education for Adults (CSLEA). These materials provide both theory and practice in the area of non-credit adult liberal education offered by colleges and universities. This volume contains five issues in the CSLEA Research Report Series from 1955 through 1963. Titles include (1) Our Modern Art: The Movies (a course discussion guide); (2) A Review of 1956: Center Activities and Projects; (3) A Review of 1957: Center Activities and Projects; (4) A Review of 1958: Future Directions of the Center and a Report of Current Activities; and (5) Adults that Grew Up in Brooklyn and Some That Didn't (a research report dealing with the relationship between emotional maturity and academic achievement in adult educational programs). (MN)

Many of the most exciting advances in science are taking place in biology, yet many students leave school without having learned biology's basic principles, and few are stimulated enough to continue in the sciences. This book presents information and expert views from teachers, curriculum developers, and others on why and where biology education is lacking and how it can be improved. It includes findings from current research and outlines specific suggestions for improving biology education, all aimed at addressing many of the dilemmas confronting the field such as what should be taught, how it should be taught, the measurement of results, teacher education and certification, and biology education reform. (CW)

This book provides important information and advice that students need in order to learn more and receive higher grades offers strategies for test and note taking, studying, writing papers, and making class schedules. This book also gives an insider's guide to the academic semester, in-class behavior, and how and when to approach professors. Perhaps most importantly, it provides invaluable advice about the attitude and work ethic that are essential to outstanding college students. This book includes the following chapters: (1) What Is the Goal of your Collegiate Experience? (The Goal Is to Learn); (2) Expectations (This Isn't High School Toto); (3) Preparing for the Semester (How to Outrun the Avalanche); (4) Stages of the Semester (Will You Work Hard during the Dog Days?); (5) Study Habits (Make Studying a Habit); (6) Advice on Exams (Prepare, Don't Cram); (7) Paper Writing (Build a Tasty and Well-Presented Cake); (8) Notes (Write, Read, Write, Read, Read); (9) Your Professors (Is the Professor Dr. Jekyll or Mr./Ms. Hyde?); (10) Scheduling of Classes (Make a Well-Balanced Schedule); (11) In-Class Etiquette (Oh Behave); (12) Evaluate Your Performance (Figure Out What You Did Wrong, and Try to Fix It); (13) Good Student vs. Not-So-Good Student (Which One Are You? Which One Will You Be?); (14) How Parents Can Help Their Children Succeed (Parents Just Don't Understand [?]); and (15) The Most Important Points (If You Work Hard, the Grades Will Come).

Noting that parent involvement in their children's schooling is a key to academic success, this book provides techniques and strategies for parents to help them assist their children with homework completion without conflict. Chapter 1, "Getting Started," includes guidance on who should help with homework and how to set a homework schedule. Chapter 2, "Troubleshooting," advises on assignment tracking and test preparation. Chapter 3, "How To Help Your Child with Reading," provides guidance on raising children's reading level, while chapter 4, "How To Help Your Child with Spelling and Writing," covers studying spelling, handwriting, and composition. Chapter 5, "How To Help Your Child with Math," includes information on helping children with concepts, word problems, and computation, while chapter 6, "How To Help Your Child with Science, Social Studies, and Foreign Languages," includes test preparation, and helping the child with graphics and with thematic units. Chapter 7, "How To Help Your Child with Formal Assessments, Projects, Reports, and Papers," provides guidance on reports and term papers. Chapter 8, "Using Technology," includes advice on computer use and software selection. Chapter 9, "Playing Games," offers advice on game selection and home-made games. The final chapter lists further resources. Twenty-three reproducible pages are included for parental use. (SD)

This collection contains 15 papers on issues surrounding equal opportunities in higher education for African Americans during the decades since predominantly white campuses became desegregated. Papers are organized in four parts: (1) Orienting Perspectives to the Study of Black Students in U.S. Higher Education; (2) The Under Graduate Years: Empirical Research Findings; (3) The Graduate and Professional Years: Empirical Research Findings; and (4) Practical Issues in the Higher Education of Black Americans. Representative titles are: "Winners and Losers: A Regional Assessment of Minority Enrollment and Earned Degrees in U.S. Colleges and Universities, 1974-1984" (Deskins); "Focus on Equity: Race and Gender Differences in Degree Attainment, 1975-76; 1980-81" (Trent); "Assessing the College Major Selection Process for Black Students" (Thomas); "Racial Similarities and Differences in the Predictors of College Student Achievement" (Nettles); "Personal Traits, Institutional Prestige, Racial Attitudes, and Black Student Academic Performance in College" (Smith); "Social Support Networks and Undergraduate Student Academic-Success-Related Outcomes: A Comparison of Black Students on Black and White Campuses" (Davis); "Correlates of Academic Performance among Black Graduate and Professional Students" (Braddock, Trent); "The Demographic Fallacy of the Black Academic: Does Quality Rise to the Top?" (Mickelson, Oliver); "Determinants of Success for Black Males and Females in Graduate and Professional Schools" (Matthews, Jackson); "Toward Effective Desegregated Schools" (Hare);"Intervention Can Make a Difference: The Impact on Standardized Tests and Classroom Performance" (Frierson); and "Tackling the Fear of Science: The Impact of a Computer-Based Study Center on Minority Student Johnston). Part V contains a selected bibliography; a description of data sources; an index; notes on the contributors; and notes and references for each of the papers. (JB)

Concern about boys' education in Australia and New Zealand led to the Leadership in Boys' Education Conference in May 1999. This book contains edited conference presentations focusing on boys' educational needs. The book also presents case studies related to academic achievement, school structure, discipline and bullying, broadening boys' options, and building support. The chapters are: (1) "Leading Boy-Friendly Schools" (Steve Biddulph); (2) "Educating Boys, Emotional Literacy, and the Workplace" (Don Edgar); (3) "Leadership on the Ground" (Richard Fletcher); (4) "Aboriginal Cultural Programs and Interagency Co-Operation in Boys Strategies" (Jenni Griffiths); (5) "Pastoral Care at St. Ignatius' College, Riverview" (Peter Ireland); (6) "A Decade of Working Consistently at Boys' Education" (Fred Carosi); (7) "Role Models and School Support Structures for Rural Boys" (Helene Boyer); (8) "Empowering Boys" (Ian Lillico); (9) "Boys-Only English Classes at Cherrybrook Technology High" (Lyn Wendtman); (10) "The Boys Action Team as Part of Whole School Improvement" (Beverley Theobald); (11) "Crossing Gender Boundaries" (Chris Bonner); (12) "Changing the Football Culture" (John Craig, Tina Barnier, and Ian Beasley); (13) "Raising the Self-Esteem of Boys through Skill Development" (Bill Campbell); (14) "Engaging Fathers and the Whole Community in the Education of Rural Boys" (Cheryl Hallinan); (15) "The Role of the Principal in Facilitating Change in the Curriculum and School Culture" (James White); (16) "Individual Programs for Disaffected Boys" (John McKenna); (17)"School, Community, and Regional Support" (Shona McKinlay); (18) "Supporting Fathers To Be Good Fathers" (Andrew Mullins); and (19) "Fathers' Role in Quality Learning for Boys" (Phil Bretherton). (KB)

This book offers suggestions to doctoral students, primarily in the social and behavioral sciences, the humanities, and such professional fields as education, counseling, and social work, to help them succeed in earning a doctoral degree. It is based on the observation that successful students not only have knowledge obtained from the books they study, but also must develop an emotional and intellectual toughness, political savvy, self-discipline, and be able to accurately read the environment in which they have to function. Chapters examine (1) the dropout problem in doctoral programs, the reasons for it, and what is required, from the student's perspective, to complete a program; (2) why doctoral study is different from other academic pursuits; (3) suggestions in choosing a dissertation topic; (4) suggestions on working with the department chair and others in obtaining help; (5) ideas for writing a proposal and the dissertation; (6) things to consider when defending a thesis; and (7) problem areas for doctorate-seeking students that involve their marriage, family, and friends, including a discussion on wives pursuing doctoral study. (GLR)

School choice reforms are increasingly common across the U.S. This symposium summarizes and presents the most recent research on the social effects of private school choice programs and public charter schools. All three papers consider heterogeneity in effects that can and should inform policymaking. The first paper, "Charter School Entry and School Choice: The Case of Washington, D.C." (Maria Marta Ferreyra and Grigory Kosenok) discusses novel research on estimating an equilibrium model of charter school entry and school choice. From a social standpoint, the paper shows that the existence of charter schools yields net benefits. The second paper, "Squeezing the Public School Districts: The Fiscal Effects of Eliminating the Louisiana Scholarship Program" (Corey A. DeAngelis and Julie R. Trivitt) studies the fiscal effects of reduced funding in a statewide voucher program. This paper adds to the literature by comparing the short-term and long-term savings to the state and individual public school districts due to this policy. The results show that the voucher program generates net cost savings in the long run for almost all educational jurisdictions under reasonable assumptions. The third paper, "The Juice Is Worth the Squeeze: A Benefit/Cost Analysis of the Experimental Evidence on Private School Vouchers across the Globe" (M. Danish Shakeel, Kaitlin P. Anderson, and Patrick J. Wolf) is a benefit/cost analysis of the best available research on private school vouchers. This benefit/cost analysis provides the most comprehensive look at the achievement effects of school voucher programs using lottery-based research designs both in the U.S. and internationally. This symposium summary provides abstracts for each of the three papers. [SREE documents are structured abstracts of SREE conference symposium, panel, and paper or poster submissions.]

The purpose of this paper is to review and critique a groundbreaking research report. The research article under review in this paper is: "A Big Apple for Educators: New York City's Experiment with Schoolwide Performance Bonuses: Final Evaluation Report" (see ED521920). In 2007-08, a program called the Schoolwide Performance Bonus Program (SPBP) was held in the New York City public schools on behalf of the New York City Department of Education (NYCDOE) and United Federation of Teachers (UFT). They established a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the RAND Corporation and Vanderbilt University evaluated the program to assess the SPBP. The objective was to see the students' development outcome based on changed compensation plans for teachers hence motivating the teachers to perform well in order to receive rewards. The idea is for the collaboration and bonus to boost morale, therefore resulting in better outcomes. Result of the study showed that there was no evidence to suggest that student achievement increased as a result of SPBP.

EdSource hosted an unprecedented forum on October 19, 2007 in Sacramento, California for the presentation and sharing of research-based education policy options offered by a range of K-12 organization and opinion leaders in California with diverse perspectives. Invitees included highly respected state policymakers, education leaders, researchers, and business and community leaders. The Convening focused on research-based policy options related to: education governance, school finance, personnel and leadership, and education data systems. This Convening Book of Education Policy Briefs contains a rich resource of research- and evidence-based discussion and recommendations on which state education policy reforms might have the most impact on improving student outcomes in California. The first section of this book, "Context," presents a brief overview that sets out the importance of an effective public education system in California in the 21st century. Authored by Cross & Joftus, LLC, this white paper also draws from findings of the "Getting Down to Facts" research project, released in March 2007, as well as other existing research and data about California. The paper describes aspects of California's current finance, governance, personnel and data systems that Cross & Joftus suggest should be re-examined in order to support public schools dedicated to instructional improvement and academic success. The second section of this book, "Convening Policy Briefs," contains the policy briefs submitted on or about October 1, 2007 to EdSource for presentation at this convening. The briefs are organized in alphabetical order according to the name of the submitting organization or author. (Individual papers contain references.)

To assist in upcoming deliberations on the reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the Center on Education Policy asked three outstanding experts in special education to write papers advising on whether and how IDEA should be changed. The resulting papers in this publication include: IDEA 2002 Reauthorization; An Opportunity To Improve Educational Results for Students with Disabilities (Thomas Hehir); IDEA Reauthorization: Its Time To Simplify and Focus on Performance (Lawrence C. Gloeckler); and Issues for Consideration in the Reauthorization of Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (Margaret J. McLaughlin). The three authors agree on the large issues facing special education and they propose some common solutions. The common problems they have identified are the following three: (1) the need for students with disabilities to improve academically; (2) the need for less paperwork and a less complex system to retain special education teachers; and (3) the need for increased funding for IDEA and for funding provided within general education to support a range of services for children who are having difficulty in school, so that fewer children will need to be referred to special education. Each paper includes references. (CR)

This document is a collection of eight position papers on a research agenda in higher education. The papers are based on a three-year analysis of trends and feedback deriving from conferences and Website presentations. Each paper ends with a list of specific proposed research questions. Following an introduction by Cynthia S. Johnson, the papers are: (1) "Improving Access and Educational Success for Diverse Students: Steady Progress but Enduring Problems" (Patricia King); (2) "Affordability: Responding to the Rising Cost of Higher Education" (M. Lee Upcraft); (3) "Learning and Teaching in the 21st Century: Trends and Implications for Practice" (Marcia Baxter Magolda and Patrick T. Terenzini); (4) "Technology" (M. Lee Upcraft and Patrick T. Terenzini); (5) "The Changing Nature of Work in Higher Education" (Susan R. Komives); (6) "Collaboration and Partnerships" (Charles C. Schroeder); (7) "Accountability for Student Affairs: Trends for the 21st Century" (Gregory S. Blimling); and (8) "Changing Government Roles Relative to Higher Education" (Annette Gibbs). (Individual papers contain references.) (DB)

This book brings together a series of papers on education in rural Zimbabwe. It is informed throughout by the generative theory of rurality, which sees rural communities as the most significant agents in solving the challenges they face. Against this theoretical backdrop, the 13 chapters challenge policy makers, researchers and educators to confront the problem of poor academic performance among learners in rural learning ecologies. The book demonstrates that rural communities, in Zimbabwe and elsewhere, can improve their educational outcomes through community-led action, involving traditional leadership and other stakeholders. The key message is that communities have the opportunity to become the authors of their own destinies in shaping future educational results.

As a part of the teacher licensure program at the graduate level at The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC), the M.Ed. licensure candidate is required to complete an action research project during a 3-semester-hour course that coincides with the 9-semester-hour student teaching experience or with school employment. This course, Education 5900 Culminating Experience, requires the student to implement an action research plan designed through (a) the Education 5010 Methods of Educational Research course, (b) a required learning assessment required during student teaching, or (c) a newly-designed project. The course is, also, taken by elementary and secondary teachers who are, already, licensed to teach. The action research projects, from spring semester 2017, are presented. This Action Research Project includes: (1) Student Transition into Ninth Grade (Jennifer Clemmer); (2) Effect of Short-Term Integration of Scientific and Mathematical Investigations (Robert Hall); (3) Effects of Physical Education on Math Performance (Whitney Shea Layne); and (4) A Study of the Integration of Physical Activity and Movement and its Effect on Academic Behavior (Emily Parsons). (Individual papers contain references and figures.) [For "Culminating Experience Action Research Projects, Volume 18, Part 2, Spring 2016," see ED581631.]

This document contains five research papers devoted to aviation education and training. The first paper, "An Examination of the U.S. Airline Policy Regarding Child Restraint Systems" (Larry Carstenson, Donald Sluti, and Jacqueline Luedtke), examines communication of airline policy from airline management to airline personnel to the traveling public. Methods of training pilots in Crew Resource Management (CRM) are examined in "Advanced Qualification Training: A Study of Implementation of CRM into Airline Training" (Roger C. Matteson). "The Theory of Functionalism and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO): An Analytical Assessment after the First Fifty Years" (Isaac Richmond Nettey) explores whether functionalist predictions will ever be validated by a transfer of allegiance from nation states to the ICAO. The effectiveness of computer technology in aviation meteorology classrooms was examined in a study reported in "Student Performance in a Technology-Enhanced Aviation Meteorology Course" (Michael R. Witiw, Kathleen Kelly-Benjamin). "Educational Requirements for a Career in Airline Management: An Industry Perspective" (Robert W. Kaps, Jose R. Ruiz) reports on a survey in which presidents of 30 of the top U.S. airlines were asked about the educational preparation needed by students seeking careers. All papers include substantial bibliographies. (MN)

The five commissioned papers in this anthology provided part of the research base for the national report, "National Excellence: A Case for Developing America's Talent." In the first paper, "The Performance of High Ability Students in the United States on National and International Tests," Carolyn Callahan describes discouraging national and international academic achievement data which indicate that America's top students continue to lag behind top students in other comparable nations. In the second paper, "Education of Gifted and Talented Students in China, Taiwan, and Japan," Harold W. Stevenson et al. report on studies of children's academic achievement in East Asia over the past 11 years and analyze those Asian nations' policies and practices for educating high-ability students. In the third paper, "State Policy Issues in the Education of Gifted and Talented Students," Patricia Bruce Mitchell examines current state policies, regulations, and legislation concerning education programs for gifted and talented students. She also discusses state policies which influence the nature and scope of gifted programming and considers implications of recent school restructuring efforts. James Gallagher, in "Current and Historical Thinking on Education for Gifted and Talented Students," describes how early cultures addressed or failed to address the needs of gifted children and contends that our society has traditionally had ambivalent feelings toward gifted children. He offers several definitions of giftedness and evaluates various educational methods with this population. In the final paper, "American Culture and the Gifted," Daniel P. Resnick and Madeline Goodman examine the role that the American culture and political beliefs have played in shaping the educational system. They suggest that forces outside the classroom (such as anti-intellectual attitudes) may account for more of the success or failure of programs for the gifted than previously thought. Each paper contains references. (DB)

This proceedings volume of InCoTEPD 2018 covers many ideas for handling a wide variety of challenging issues in the field of education. The outstanding ideas dealing with these issues result in innovation of the system. There are many innovation strategies resulting from recent research that are discussed in this book. These strategies will become the best starting points to solve current and future problems. This book provides an in-depth coverage of educational innovation developments with an emphasis on educational systems, formal or informal education strategies, learning models, and professional teachers. Indeed, those developments are very important to be explored for obtaining the right way of problem-solving. Providing many ideas from the theoretical foundation into the practice, this book is versatile and well organized for an appropriate audience in the field of education. It is an extremely useful reference for students, teachers, professors, practitioners, and government representatives in many countries. Following a preface, papers in these proceedings are divided into four sections and include the following: Section One, Education System, includes: (1) Integrating Knowledge and Skills-Based Curriculum in TT-TVET through a Blended and Embedded Model: An Innovative Approach at the Faculty of Technical and Vocational Education, (Universiti Tun Hussien Onn Malaysia 3 (A.R.A. Razzaq, M.H.B. Amiruddin, M.A. Rohiat & N.B. Razali); (2) The Effectiveness of Academic Supervision by School Principals 12 (S. Darmawanti & H. Usman); (3) The Performance of State Elementary School Supervisors 18 (R.S. Maulida & H. Usman); (4) Integrated Thematic Learning in the 2013 Curriculum: Implications for the Self-Confidence and Academic Achievement of Primary School Students 24 (U. Tisngati, C.A. Budiningsih & Sugiman); (5) The Effect of Technology Literacy and Learning Environment on Student Motivation in the Educational Revolution 4.0, 32 (A. Saputri Sukirno, H. Kurniawan & H.D. Hermawan); (6) Student Perceptions of Motivational Strategies Used by Junior High School English Teachers in Kota Yogyakarta 37 (G. Ambarini & Ashadi); (7) Study on Graduate Competence in Air-Conditioning Skills at Senior High School with Relation to Job Market Competencies 45 (S. Haryadi); (8) Elementary Students' Performance in Mathematical Reasoning 52 (N. Andrijati, D. Mardapi & H. Retnawati); and (9) Evaluation Model of the Implementation of a Quality Management System of Electrical Skills in Vocational High School 59 (I.G.B. Mahendra & G. Wiyono). Section Two, Formal and Informal Education, contains: (10) Strengthening Character Education through the Local Wisdom: Indonesian Folklore 69 (T.A. Rini & P. Mahanani); (11) Forming Young Citizen Characters through Youth organizations in Indonesia 77 (Wellyana & Marzuki); and (12) Revitalization in Vocational Training Centers for Improving the Quality of Human Resources 82 ( I.A. Manalu & R. Asnawi). Section Three, Learning Models, contains the Following Papers: (13) Theatrical Stage of Technology and Humans in relation to Education 91 (T. Öztürk); (14) Improving Students' Critical Thinking Abilities in Probability Problems through Problem Based Learning 97 (Rauzah & Kusnandi); (15) Cultural Map Media as an Innovation to Overcome Cognitive Learning Difficulties in Social Studies at Elementary School 104 (L. Fatmawati, V.Y. Erviana, D. Hermawati, I. Maryani, M.N. Wangid & A. Mustadi); (16) Learning Innovations in Citizenship Education for Strengthening Digital and Ecological Citizenship 113 (K.E.R. Marsudi & S. Sunarso); (17) Needs Analysis for an Electronic Module (e-module) in Vocational Schools 122 (S. Oksa & S. Soenarto); (18) Analysis of Students' Learning Readiness in Terms of Their Interest and Motivation in Achieving Students' Critical Thinking Skills 129 (R. Putri & A. Ghufron); (19) Study on a Test Scoring System for Vocational Secondary Schools Using Computerized Adaptive Testing (CAT) 135 (F.P. Marsyaly & S. Hadi); and (20) Implementation of Basic Graphic Design Learning Skills Competence of Multimedia in SMK Muhammadiyah Wonosari 141 (L.F.A.N.F. Albana & Sujarwo). Section Four, Professional Teacher, contains the following papers: (21) Developing Video-Based Learning Resources for Music Teachers in Singapore 151 (A. Bautista, S.L. Chua, J. Wong & C. Tan); (22) Teacher-Student Communication Style and Bullying Behavior: Sociometry Evaluation 159 (I. Sholekhah, S. Indartono & D.W. Guntoro); (23) Analysis of Students' Mistakes in solving Algebra Word Problems Using the Newman Procedure 168 (R. Keumalasari & Turmudi); (24) Lesson Study as an Alternative for Teacher Creativity Development in Reflecting and Improving the Quality of Learning of the Indonesian Language 174 (R.W. Eriyanti); (25) Lesson Study to Improve Teacher Creativity in Solving Problems of Mathematics Learning 179 (Y.M. Cholily); (26) Mapping the Innovation of Professional Learning Communities (PLC) in Primary Schools: A Review 184 (P.S. Cholifah & H.I. Oktaviani); (27) Implementation of Snowball Drilling Learning Model on Discrete Mathematics to Improve Student's Independence and Learning Outcomes 190 (L. Novamizanti); (28) What Lecturers Know about Their Role as an Agent of Learning: Levels of Innovativeness in the Learning Process 197 (A. Ghufron); (29) Development and Quality Analysis of a Learning Media Electrical Motor Installation on the Android Platform, for Vocational Students 201 (B.N. Setyanto & H. Jati); (30) The Readiness of Vocational Secondary Schools on Forming Working Characteristics for Industry 4.0 209 (H. Mulyani & I.W. Djatmiko); (31) The Assessment Model for Competency Certification Tests 216 (W. Ramadani & D.L.B. Taruno); (32) Contribution of a Teacher Competency Test to Identifying Teacher Performance in Vocational High Schools 223 (U. Nursusanto & N. Yuniarti); (33) Performance in Innovative Teacher Professional Development (TPD) in Indonesia: Does Gender Matter? 231 (Wuryaningsih, M. Darwin, D.H. Susilastuti & A.C. Pierewan); (34) Needs Identification of Learning Media for People with Disabilities 237 (Rizalulhaq & R. Asnawi); and (35) Implementing Gamification to Improve Students' Financial Skills in Business and Management Vocational Schools 242 (Sukirno, E.M. Sagoro, L.N. Hidayati, Purwanto & D.A.Y Wastari). An author Index is also included.

In October 2010, the Council of the Great City Schools released a major report on the academic status of African American males, "A Call for Change: The Social and Educational Factors Contributing to the Outcomes of Black Males in Urban Schools." The report was the first phase of the Council's efforts to recommit the energies of the nation's urban public school systems to improving the quality of education for African American males nationwide. In the second phase of the Council's work, it commissioned a series of solution briefs from some of the nation's leading scholars and experts to help us think through an effective set of strategies to address the academic needs of African American males. This e-book is a compilation of those papers. The solutions outlined in each paper focus on both educational and noneducational strategies, such as expectations and self-esteem, early-childhood programs, college and career readiness, gifted and talented education, mathematics instruction, English language arts instruction, partnerships and mentoring, successful learning communities, out-of-school-time learning, health and safety, and the school-to-prison pipeline. This publication contains the following papers: (1) Reading, Writing, and Intellectual Development of African American Male Children and Youth (Alfred W. Tatum); (2) Accelerating the Learning of Underperforming Students in High School Mathematics (Robert P. Moses and Omowale J. Moses); (3) Increasing the Representation of African American Males in Gifted and Talented Programs (James L. Moore III and Lamont A. Flowers); (4) College and Career Readiness: Closing Gaps in Educational and Occupational Achievement for African American Males (Michael Nettles, Robert C. Schwartz, and Haijiang Wang); (5) Early-Childhood Education and Young Black Boys: A National Crisis and Proven Strategies to Address It (Aisha Ray); (6) The Expectations Factor in Black Male Achievement: Creating a Foundation for Educational Equity (Robert L. Green, George White, and Kevin K. Green); (7) Responding to the Challenges Confronting Black and Latino Males: The Role of Public Policy in Countering the "Crisis" and Promoting Success (Pedro A. Noguera); (8) Providing Solutions for Black Male Achievement: Partnerships and Mentoring (George L. Garrow Jr. and Esther B. Kaggwa); (9) Great Schools Are Not an Accident: Standards and Promising Practices for Educating Boys of Color (Ronald Walker, Edward Fergus, and Rhonda Tsoi-AFatt Bryant); (10) Community-Based and Equity-Centered Approaches to African American Male Development (Hal Smith); (11) Mentally Healthy and Safe Schools (Oscar Barbarin); (12) Ensuring Equality in School Discipline Practices and Policies and Dismantling the School-to-Prison Pipeline (Leticia Smith-Evans); and (13) Improving the Academic Achievement of African American Males: A Path Forward for America's Great City Schools (Michael Casserly). Individual papers contain tables, figures, references, notes, footnotes and appendices.