Institutions of higher learning are are returning to test-required admissions policies after finding that standardized tests help them better assess the academic preparedness of all applicants. This brief presents evidence that: (1) The objective standard set by standardized tests makes the college admissions process fairer for students; (2) ACT…

The Playful Hybrid Higher Education project [https://playhybrid.education/], based in the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape at the University of Calgary (Canada) and funded by the Imagination Lab Foundation, explores how play and creativity can be integrated into hybrid classrooms, particularly in response to the shift to blended…

In today's data-driven and data-informed educational landscape, leaders face increasing pressure to make decisions and present results based on what appear to be comprehensive statistical analyses. However, the ethical implications of these responsibilities can be complex, particularly when statistical results carry the potential to be…

In 2024, WestEd partnered with Sobrato Philanthropies to conduct a strategic and economic analysis of English Learner programs in the state of California. The study sought to define the scale of economic challenges and explore underlying conditions impacting the costs of implementing English Learner programs in California in alignment with best…

Background/purpose: This study explores the methodologies for publishing research papers in SCOPUS-indexed journals, targeting academic professionals, including educators and researchers, to enhance their recognition and visibility within educational contexts. It investigates the critical processes--manuscript writing, journal selection,…

Purpose: Despite the expansion of virtual learning during COVID-19, many questions remain unexplored on how to provide quality online instruction outside of a crisis-schooling model. Research Methods: The study takes place within a virtual school affiliated with the largest online curriculum provider in the United States. Using observations of…

In this qualitative study, we sought to identify the best practices emerging from professional learning communities (PLCs) in New Brunswick, Canada with regard to teacher collaboration. Established over a decade ago, PLCs are now a common practice in this province. The results of interviews conducted with teachers and principals (N = 13) show a…

Purpose: We examine how farmer characteristics, farm, institutional, perception and shock factors influence the adoption of the Best Management Practices (BMPs). A thorough understanding of how relevant drivers affect the adoption decision of diverse BMPs can contribute to the development of evidence-based policies. Approach: We use a household…

Librarians play a pivotal role in bridging gaps and fostering learning across diverse global networks of campuses and learners. At Northeastern University's library, the Global Campus and Online Learning Unit (Online Learning, for short) supports the 16 (and growing) global campuses. The Online Learning unit has crafted an intermediary liaison…

What are some of the most common myths about teaching and learning? Renowned educator Thomas R. Rosebrough debunks ten popular beliefs and offers principles that will have a bigger impact in the classroom. The principles center on teaching for learners, not only to meet their academic needs but to transform their lives. The ten myths explore…

Multiple choice tests are unlikely to disappear from formal education, partly due to the ease of large-scale administration and grading and their similarity to licensing exams in various fields (e.g., nursing). Despite post-secondary instructors' best intentions in giving students adequate time to complete multiple choice assessments, it can be…

The U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration highlighted the impact that early detection of emotional and behavioral health concerns can have on quality of life for children and adults in a 2019 report. Illinois has taken this call to action seriously by planning a phased implementation approach to universal mental health…

The success of development projects and evaluations hinges on having access to research protocols and methodologies that consider the needs and characteristics of stakeholders, subjects, and context while remaining rigorous and culturally sound. These efforts are often complicated by a dearth of tools that have been tested for validity and…

Background: School attendance and school attendance problems are complex and significant indicators of child and adolescent health and development. The study of school attendance/problems has a rich history but one that has bifurcated into detached systemic and analytic approaches. Objective: Integrative heuristic frameworks are pursued to enhance…

This chapter describes best practices for adapting traditional, face-to-face, team-based learning principles to develop online application exercise design, support effective facilitation, and use appropriate technology to promote effective online team collaboration. The unique challenges of online TBL applications include maintaining effective…