Specialized secondary schools in the United States focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) are becoming commonplace in the United States. Such schools are generally referred to by U.S. teachers as Academies. In a purposeful effort to provide a resource to educators building new STEM Academies, this study provides both a…

The purpose of this study was to identify the strategies, practices, and leadership skills utilized by California superintendents in implementing 21st-century skills in their respective districts. A mixed-methods design was used, combining qualitative and quantitative analysis. Quantitative data from 37 California superintendents were collected…

The Lawrence Hall of Science, a science center, seeks to replicate real-world engineering at the "Ingenuity in Action" exhibit, which consists of three open-ended challenges. These problems encourage children to engage in engineering design processes and problem-solving techniques through tinkering. We observed and interviewed 112…

Background: Protective factors associated with positive youth development predict health and education outcomes. This study explored trends in these protective factors and in physical activity among low-income students, and determined the impact of a school-based youth development program on these trends. Methods: This study used a…

The intense focus of academics currently in practice in elementary schools limits the opportunities for developing social skills and abilities that are necessary 21st century skills. Through a specifically structured Morning Meeting a teacher can create a space in the classroom that encourages the growth of important social skills that will…

Many arithmetic problems can be solved in two ways: by a calculation involving several steps, and by direct retrieval of the answer. With practice on particular problems, memory retrieval tends to supplant calculation--an important aspect of skill learning. We asked how the distribution of practice on particular problems affects this kind of…

In this chapter, the authors illustrate on mathematical problem-solving activities within families how the functions and structures of their mathematics at home are dependent on values, and how interacting values during problem situations came to shape what counted as solutions. These values examples from family math illustrate the complex…

The construction and opening of a new school adds a new dimension to the principal's role. The purpose of this study was to describe the duties and responsibilities of a principal opening a newly constructed school, during the year preceding the opening of the school, and during the first year of occupancy in that school. The study was enriched by…

In the state of California, potential administrators may gain certification by successfully passing the School Leaders Licensure Assessment (SLLA). This study attempts to determine if the SLLA route to administrative licensure is an effective way of placing quality candidates into entry level assistant principal positions by comparing and…

Describes California's effort to blend geography and other disciplines in the state's "History-Social Science Framework." Since all history and societal change have been shaped by the dual influences of time and space, the wedding of history and geography is easily supportable by teachers well-versed in these concepts. Includes seven…

A recent employer survey sponsored by the Partnership for 21st Century Skills found that the skills new job entrants most need for success in the workplace--oral and written communication, time management, critical thinking, problem solving, personal accountability, and the ability to work effectively with others--are the areas in which recent…