This design-based research study examined the first two cycles of development, enactment, analysis, and redesign of the Power of Data (POD) Facilitation Academy. Professional Learning and Development (PLD) providers' geospatial technology (GST) skills, understanding of programme principles, preparation, and stages of concern for implementing POD…

This article considers the opportunities presented by -- and the obstacles preventing -- the adoption of online resources in teaching Shakespeare in South Africa. Taking into account Shakespeare's controversial place in South African education, it addresses the widely differing contexts in which Shakespeare might be encountered in the country's…

Physical education (PE) in England, has historically been and is increasingly seen as a subject in which political agendas can and are being enacted (Penney, [2008]. Playing a political game and playing for position: Policy and curriculum development in health and PE. "European Physical Education Review" 4(1): 33-49) as health, sport and…

Many paraeducators have no formal education beyond high school and are provided with minimal training once on the job. Furthermore, as more schools turn to inclusionary practices, the impetus for highly qualified paraeducators becomes more important. However, little research has examined efficient ways to train paraeducators who work in inclusive…

In the 2010 issue of "Teacher Education and Special Education (TESE)," Sindelar and colleagues examined the current status of research on special education teachers and outlined future work necessary to improve the special education teacher workforce. In this article, the authors focus explicitly on Sindelar and colleagues' charge to…

Few studies have focused on the issues older physical education (PE) teachers encounter which may limit their effectiveness. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of a PE teacher's apparent age on high school pupils' learning and perceptions of the teacher. Participants were 114 ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth grade pupils.…

Charter schools are the most popular alternative to traditional public schooling in the United States. The majority of research indicates positive effects of charter schools on student performance in traditional public schools. Most studies use the share of charter school students enrolled as a measure of the competitive pressure of charter…

"Printing Like a Pro!" is a free program to help primary-grade students to print legibly. This pre-test post-test study aimed to evaluate the preliminary effectiveness of this program used in a teacher-taught printing club with occupational therapy support. Eleven students in grades 2 and 3 with persistently poor legibility attended the…

Evaluations of student's learning experiences hold increasing currency in deciding how to improve teaching and learning. This article proposes that students who use story-telling for evaluation help to facilitate this. Adding to previous research that shows the benefit and challenges of gathering qualitative feedback, stories written by 47…

This study assessed how students' perceptions of online quizzes and the use of three electronic devices to solve them affected their performance. A sample of 208 students enrolled in an introductory accounting course at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona completed online quizzes as part of their evaluation and filled in a questionnaire on their…

Increased accountability demands are being placed on teacher preparation programs across the USA to demonstrate competencies of their teacher candidates. As a means of evaluating teacher candidates' instructional effectiveness and readiness for their own classrooms, some programs are using standardized teacher performance assessments, with faculty…

A small proportion of students do not benefit sufficiently from standard intervention protocols, and require more intensive, individualized instruction. Data-Based Instruction (DBI) has a strong evidence base for addressing students' intensive academic needs, yet it is not widely implemented. In this study, we explored the usability and…

There is a growing interest in conceptualizing, defining, and assessing what are often called 21st century skills or deeper learning competencies. The purpose of this literature review is to explore the conceptualizations, definitions, and understandings in the research literature related to critical thinking. Key initial questions include: What…

The "IDRA Newsletter" serves as a vehicle for communication with educators, school board members, decision-makers, parents, and the general public concerning the educational needs of all children across the United States. The focus of this issue is "Teaching Quality." Contents include: (1) State Policy Recommendations for…

Classroom management is critical for students' behavioral and academic success, and researchers have identified numerous discrete teacher behaviors within several broad areas of classroom management skills. Unfortunately, these skills are often overlooked during pre- and in-service professional development (PD). Additionally, research suggests…