Teacher professional learning occurs across various contexts. Previous studies on teacher learning and changes in practice have focused on either classroom contexts or learning communities outside of school, but have rarely investigated teacher learning across multiple contexts. Investigating teacher learning across the double contexts of…

Robust strategic enrollment management plans include an integrated focus on student retention. While Piedmont University has seen steady new student growth over the past few years, retention rates had dropped from the mid-70s to an alltime low of 62 percent. Significant and immediate action was necessary. The Retention Vortex was created as a…

This paper introduces a novel framework aimed at supporting non-education faculty and facilitators in creating inclusive educational programs and learning opportunities that address the needs, interests, and priorities of underrepresented individuals and communities in the field of STEM. The framework centers on the fundamental concept of…

Student success in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) is a major concern in higher education. While overall 6-year graduation rates are around 60% nationally (National Center for Education Statistics, 2016), only about 40% of students who enter college intending to major in a STEM field complete a STEM degree within 6 years. Studies…

The idea behind guided pathways is straightforward. College students are more likely to complete a degree in a timely fashion if they choose a program and develop an academic plan early on, have a clear road map of the courses they need to take to complete a credential, and receive guidance and support to help them stay on plan. However, most…

A growing number of community colleges and four-year universities are seeking to improve student outcomes by redesigning academic programs and student support services following the guided pathways approach. These institutions are mapping out highly structured, educationally coherent program pathways for students to follow by starting with the end…

Undergraduates having their first research experience frequently have little idea of what to expect. Institutions offering summer research experiences attempt to address this issue through programs that introduce students to the process and culture of science. However, didactic approaches frequently bore students who prefer more interactive…

A case study of an eight-year-old gifted underachieving Native American is presented to illustrate the importance of ability training in skill deficit areas (rather than a mistaken attempt to teach processes) and of specifically stated objectives. Difficulties in assessment and identification are noted. (CL)

The case study describes a summer program designed for an 8-year-old American Indian boy who had demonstrated superior reasoning abilities but poor academic skills. Measures used in identification and diagnosis are discussed, and reasons for re-evaluating an initial label of learning disabilities are considered. It is explained that a program was…

Two case studies of early intervention programs demonstrate the benefits of providing special help prior to first grade. A summer program at a reading center helped the students acquire foundation skills of fine motor coordination, listening, expressive language, and attention control. (CL)

Considers if the creative process is a viable tool in anger management. Explores whether a summer art program made a difference in the lives of a class of troubled youth. Uses art-based educational research methods from the qualitative inquiry paradigm to assist the exploration. Presents the authors' reflections on the program. Concludes that art…

A learning disabled teenager with vision and language impairments learned to read in a summer session using microcomputers in creative writing. The teacher emphasized his interests in selecting reading materials and stressed the ability to relate concepts verbally. (CL)

For the past half-century, a racetrack outside San Diego has recruited educators for jobs during the summer break. But earning extra cash is not the only reason these seasonal employees return every year. Del Mar in San Diego, which was opened in 1937 after being bankrolled, in part by Bing Crosby, remains among the best-attended tracks in the…

This case study reports on the design and implementation of an experimental summer program aimed at introducing undergraduates to research in computer science. A research component added to a regular course on human-computer interaction based on the summer program is described, and recommendations for providing undergraduate research experience…

Faculty members at a large state university engaged in discussions of 21st century communication, new media, and the demands for new communication skills as they elected to establish a Communication across the Curriculum (CxC) program in 2005. Faculty leaders reviewed communication theory (e.g., from McLuhan to Kress), best practices from other…