This paper explores what it means to research one's own practice, drawing on my experience as an educational action researcher and creating a "living theory thesis". I begin by identifying key theories that inform my approach, exploring how scholarship in the form of self-study is viewed as a discipline, addressing issues of rigour and…

This paper draws on evidence from a study carried out in England to explore how schools can support one another's improvement within a policy context that emphasises competition. The findings offer some reasons to be optimistic, and are suggestive of the capacity and potential of the school system in England to "self-improve" through…

The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB) began an accreditation program in 2013. The criteria for accreditation of undergraduate programs include sufficient infrastructure--number and expertise of faculty, physical space and equipment, support for faculty and students--and incorporation of core concepts in the…

Assessment is a central component of course curriculums and is used to certify student learning, but it can also be used as a tool to improve teaching and learning. Many laboratory courses are structured such that there is only a grade for a particular laboratory, which limits the insights that can be gained in student learning. We developed a…

Tertiary education in Papua New Guinea (PNG) is in a critical state, as the sector struggles to address increased demand for student places with severely curtailed capacity. Recent thinking about improving public services in PNG has emphasized "whole of sector" or collaborative governance. Such an approach in tertiary education has the…

As today's K-12 schools become increasingly diverse, many teachers are struggling to meet the needs of English language learners and teach them in a culturally and linguistically responsive manner. The authors provide a pair of examples to illustrate specific ways teacher leaders can be effective advocates for better instruction and services for…

The "NADE Self-Evaluation Guides" are a compendium of best practices in four areas: (1) Tutoring Services; (2) Course-based Learning Assistance; (3) the Teaching & Learning Process; and (4) Developmental Coursework, also recently known as transitional, co-requisite, accelerated, or bridge programs, all of which are…

Recognized as the leader of the school, the middle school principal is expected to continually facilitate student success and school improvement. One such way principals can lead school improvement is through building supportive, trusting relationships with teachers. This qualitative case study explored the ways in which five middle school…

This chapter will demonstrate how Achieving the Dream, a nonprofit leader of a national reform network of community colleges and open-access universities, uses assessment to guide institutions toward a culture of evidence, equity and continuous improvement to improve student success.

ECERS [Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale] is widely used in the United States and internationally to assess the overall quality of preschool and kindergarten classrooms and to provide a framework for continuous quality improvement. This new book in the ERS® Family presents best practices to help coaches build trusting relationships with…

STEM attrition is an issue of concern that impacts the economy of the United States. According to the Trump administration (2018), investing in STEM education is essential for the workforce of the future. Community colleges play a key role in addressing STEM's workforce needs. This research examines the application of the learning theories of…

The researcher explored empowerment, sustainability, and leadership pertaining to Texas' District of Innovation designations. House Bill 1842, passed by the Texas Legislature in 2015, allowed qualifying districts to exempt certain sections of the Texas Education Code. The aim of these exemptions was to decentralize governance in order to…

This article describes 16 simple strategies that university academics who do not teach a writing course can use to help their students improve their writing. The strategies are based on the teaching experiences of the authors and follow a teaching model that includes (a) motivating methods, (b) writing instruction, (c) writing practice, and (d)…

In recent years, educational researchers have investigated teacher-student interactions in science classrooms, paying particular attention to interaction patterns and the purpose of such interactions. Although different patterns and purposes have been uncovered through these investigations, there is little research on how college instructors use…

The primary purpose of this Guide is to provide a blueprint for the development, revision, and implementation of state social studies standards. The process described herein offers opportunities for a range of stakeholder groups to engage in discussions around promising approaches and strategies that strategically advance implementation goals. It…