Discover how to build the collective efficacy of teacher teams through the five-step research-supported process of CLEAR: clarify, listen, explore, activate, and review. Using this book's practical strategies, user-friendly tools, and example scenarios, leaders and coaches can learn to clarify purpose, listen to teachers, explore best practices,…

Iowa State University (ISU) is a public, four-year university in Eastern Iowa. About one-third of full-time faculty at ISU are in VITAL roles, positions they refer to as term faculty. Term faculty have promotion line opportunities that mirror tenure-line faculty; across five specialized roles (teaching, practice, clinical, research, and adjunct),…

The University of Georgia (UGA) is the flagship public research university for the state of Georgia. Located in Athens, UGA enrolls about 40,000 students across 18 colleges. UGA awards baccalaureate, master's, doctoral, and professional degrees. About 43% of full-time faculty at UGA are in VITAL faculty roles, with a majority of VITAL faculty in…

University of Denver (DU) is a private, research university in Colorado. Located in Denver, DU enrolls approximately 14,000 students across 10 colleges. About 41% of full-time faculty at DU are in non-tenure track positions, which they refer to as Term and Professional Faculty (TPF). DU has expanded promotion opportunities for TPF that mirror…

This case study outlines the process of designing and implementing a professional development program that is inclusive of VITAL faculty within the College of Science and Mathematics at Kennesaw State University. We begin by providing background about the institution and developments that precipitated the creation of the 2022 Faculty Learning…

Boise State University is a public doctoral research institution located in Boise, Idaho, with an enrollment of approximately 26,000 students. Of the approximately 1,400 faculty members at Boise State, 76% are in VITAL (contingent) positions, including 43% part-time and 33% full-time. The Adjunct Faculty Learning Community (AFLC) is a program…

Professional development should be linked to fostering best practice and improving student learning (Darling-Hammond, 2009). By providing ongoing opportunities for professional learning that focus on best practice, teachers are more likely to develop the knowledge and skills associated with high-quality teacher instruction and raising student…

This qualitative grounded theory study explored how best practice designs for personalized learning plans could support the learning needs of students in closing achievement gaps. The traditional educational system has been found inadequate in addressing the individual educational needs of students. The Personalized Learning Continuum Framework…

The planning and implementation of effective transition services for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) have emerged as crucial aspects of middle school special education. This action research study examines the impact of professional development and collaborative practices on improving transition services for middle school students with…

This research study was designed to examine the impact of the incorporation of vocabulary instruction and various teacher strategies by a middle school science teachers team on student science achievement. The researcher focused on the teacher preparation of vocabulary word walls and the inclusion of specific words within individual units of study…

Special educators working with students with emotional and behavioral disorders often report experiencing collegial isolation, exclusion from school communities, and high levels of burnout and stress. At the same time, many special educators have limited professional development and networking opportunities, which could mitigate these negative…

The task of principals to improve teaching and learning by establishing and sustaining a cohesive school culture is very challenging. In an urban setting, the task is more challenging due to so many deficits that students, staff, and leaders are faced with that their counterparts do not encounter. The researcher's review of the literature yielded…

Despite the ubiquity of professional learning communities (PLCs) among researchers, studies on PLCs have widely differed in terms of dimensions used to conceptualise them. Thus, the study aimed to validate the conceptual model consisting of PLCs practices. The study employed a quantitative method using a survey. Firstly, a pilot test was conducted…

At least one student in every average classroom will probably have had a traumatic experience prior to the age of 18. These students do not know when the resulting trauma will surface, and it could be in many forms and as a result of any kind of trigger. To enhance student learning, it is better to have an environment that promotes safety and…

Because of the increase of the rigor of state standards and of accountability, the Lincoln County School District sought to become a part of the state Teacher Leader Network during the 2016-2017 school year as a way to provide teachers best practices for improving the culture and climate of their schools, participating in collaborative…