1. In what ways did industrialization, urbanization, and immigration lead to the development of COMPULSORY SECONDARY EDUCATION in the U.S.?

2. What is the COMPREHENSIVE HIGH SCHOOL? What were its goals? How did this system of education differ from the secondary school system that existed prior to the 1920s?

3. Describe the changes in the nature of SCHOOL REFORMS in the past 25 years. What were the goals of school reform in the 1970s? In the 1980s and 1990s? What historical and economic factors motivated these reforms?

4. Describe the general picture of student achievement among poor, ethnic minority youth. What are the specific problems faced by INNER-CITY schools that inhibit school reform and greater academic support for students?

5. What are the characteristics of GOOD SCHOOLS, which are believed to equip youth with the necessary skills and attributes for the 21st century?

6. How does SCHOOL SIZE affect students' performance, participation, and interest in school activities? In this respect, are LARGE schools better than SMALL schools?

7. What is the effect of SCHOOL TRANSITIONS on adolescents' school performance and psychosocial adjustment? (Refer to Roberta Simmons research.) Compare adolescents in the K-8 schools (making just one transition) from those in the Jr. High schools (making two transitions). According to Simmons, WHY may school transitions result in adjustment difficulties? What factors make some adolescents (especially girls) more vulnerable to these difficulties?

8. According to Jacquelynne Eccles, what aspects of the CLASSROOM ENVIRONMENT in middle or junior high schools contribute to adolescents' adjustment difficulties when they make the transition? Why is this considered a MISMATCH with adolescents' needs (i.e., what environment would support adolescent development)?

9. Define the concept of TRACKING. What are the PROS and CONS of this practice? More specifically, what are its effects on low-achieving students?

10. ome researchers have noted that the effects of school DESEGREGATION have been less positive than was hoped. What are some of these short-term effects? On the other hand, there are researchers who argue that the long-term impact of desegregation is beneficial overall. What are these positive effects?

11. Studies have shown that students enrolled in private schools tend to perform better in school and have higher achievement, compared to those in public schools. What factors in private vs public schools account for this difference?

12. What aspects of the SCHOOL CLIMATE promote learning and psychosocial development in adolescents (hint akin to parenting)? What characteristics in teachers promote a positive school climate and student learning?

13. What is the SELF-FULFILLING PROPHECY? How may this affect student learning and achievment?

14. One way that the school climate exerts its effects on learning is by influencing STUDENT ENGAGEMENT. What does this concept mean, and what factors contribute to this?

15. THE FORGOTTEN HALF to what group does this term refer to, and what does it mean (i.e., why "forgotten")? How can this group be helped?

16. Heyns conducted a study that supported the belief that schools play an important role in enhancing adolescents' intellectual development. How did she come to this conclusion from her findings?