The benefits of play for children's learning are well-documented and well-researched. The evidence for its positive impact on brain development, social interactions, emotional wellbeing, and motor skills is widespread. So, why should this practice stop after the early years? "A Practical Guide to Play in Education" encourages teachers to…

Formative assessment can be a powerful tool to support effective K-12 computer science (CS) instruction. Having teachers and students engage with the formative assessment process can increase student engagement and improve learning outcomes. In this guide, the authors show readers how to apply the five-step process outlined in the corresponding…

This book presents a validated observation instrument to support and further develop the pedagogic expertise of teachers of English Learners in US schools. Based on sociocultural and second language teaching and learning theories, the Observation Protocol for Academic Literacies (OPAL) has a variety of uses across teacher preparation programs,…

A Family Geography Night (FGN) kit can be used to bring families together, teach about the world, give parents the opportunity to share their beliefs, and participate in the educational system while having fun! Geography is an essential element of twenty-first-century education. More than just maps, geography is the interaction of cultures,…

This evidence-based practice overview on Cognitive Behavioral Intervention includes the following components: (1) Overview: A quick summary of salient features of the practice, including what it is, who it can be used with, what skills it has been used with, and settings for instruction; (2) Evidence-base: The "CBI Evidence-base" details…

This document is intended to help teachers understand and create Student Learning Objectives (SLOs). This resource is a practical guide intended to provide clarity to a complex but worthwhile task. This resource may also be used by administrators for professional learning. As Utah moves toward providing a "Model for Measuring Educator…

This article presents guidelines to the teacher for planning and conducting a field trip. (SJL)

A three-tiered approach to help teachers develop a meaningful mainstreaming program begins with the development of self-esteem in each student. Cross-age tutoring, the second tier, can enhance learning of nonhandicapped and handicapped students. The final tier focuses on information and support needs of the staff. (CL)

The article outlines characteristics of effective learning centers for reinforcing initial teaching, clarifying concepts that have been taught, and providing needed drill and practice. Steps involved in creating a learning center are listed, and a description of a learning center is offered. (SB)

Learning a foreign language in an immersion setting is possible at all levels in programs designed to provide immersion experiences lasting a few days or even a few hours. The planning and administration of a brief immersion program require leadership and attention to the formulation of a written plan. The program must be carefully scheduled, with…

Guidelines are offered for facilitating independent or small group investigations by gifted and talented students. Steps include exploring student interest, developing the chosen topic, using the management plan, implementing and monitoring the project, and helping students with evaluation. (CL)

Suggests nine guidelines for teachers and administrators planning death education programs. All emphasize planning and developing with great sensitivity and care. (CK)

Classrooms across the country are discovering the power of service-learning--the ideal way to help students develop social and academic skills while giving back to their community. Now for the first time, there's a practical how-to guide on using serving-learning to promote inclusion and differentiate instruction for students with and without…

The article highlights the role of curriculum in special education within the contexts of the Individualized Education Program and a 6-S paradigm of the instructional program (someone, something, somebody, somehow, somewhere, and sometime). (CL)

Preferred practices in planning, inplementing, and evaluating inservice education for special educators are identified. Among nine specific guidelines given are to operationally define targeted teacher behaviors, allow regular and special educators to help structure inservice outcomes, and use secondary reinforcers to maintain teacher behaviors.…