This study explored the bases for awarding incentive in a pay for performance system in Jamaica. The bases were generated by surveying the perspectives of a representative sample of teachers in the system at the time. The relative significance of emerging bases were examined through quantitative methods culminating in a set of criteria for…

The unexpected loss of a loved one, a car accident, or exposure to a violent experience is familiar to many. Everyone reacts to such events, but the responses vary widely, ranging from numbness and withdrawal, to crying, nervousness, and agitation. Because traumatic events are prevalent, cause profound suffering, and may lead to life altering…

Many early childhood teachers report lacking confidence to teach science. Today, science education is defined as "doing science", as opposed to memorization of facts (Seefeldt & Galper, 2002). This paper discusses developmentally appropriate practices in the context of teaching science. Knowledge of child development, individual differences and…

The current study elucidated the reasons for athletic performance differences between individuals who (1) engage in similar workloads, and (2) develop in similar environments. 8 elite and 11 sub-elite swimmers, with confirming data provided by 17 of their parents and 6 of their coaches, participated in this investigation. Findings revealed that…

Background: The present study was designed to investigate the association between visual exploratory behaviour in early infancy, novelty seeking in adolescence, and the dopamine D4 receptor (DRD4) genotype. Methods: Visual attention was measured in 232 three-month-old infants (114 males, 118 females) from a prospective longitudinal study using a…

The profiles and developmental trajectories of adaptive behavior were cross-sectionally examined in 80 children with Down syndrome ages 1 to 11.5 years using the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales. Profile findings indicated a significant weakness in communication relative to daily living and socialization skills. Within communication itself,…

This article presents how Developmental Approaches in Science, Health and Technology (DASH) summer institute sparks the author to try and succeed in using inquiry with her young students. It is a program created by the Curriculum Research and Development Group, University of Hawaii, and funded in part by the National Science Foundation. DASH is an…

We investigated age-based changes in mothers' complaints about offspring behavioral opposition, and offspring reports of opposition in a prospective longitudinal design (N = 821). Maternal complaints declined from pre-adolescence to early adulthood, but more slowly in low socioeconomic status (SES) and single-parent families. Mothers complained…

Noting that school is an influence stronger than any a 5-year-old child has yet known, this parent guide to preparing children to enter school brings together two understandings: first, an understanding of the child at the time school begins and during the first school year; second, an understanding of school, and what goes on inside the…

The paper examines the relationship between teacher empowerment and educational philosophy, noting questions regarding the corporate and technological demands on schools as well as questions about liberal education, cultural literacy, pluralism, perspectivism, and multiplicity. It stresses the importance of teachers reflecting on their work in…

Student teachers' journal entries during a 3-week practicum experience were analyzed to determine their perceptions of effective teaching. The students were given no guidance about journal content; they were simply asked to write abut issues or experiences that concerned them, to write reflectively, and to attempt to write daily. From analysis of…

This paper explains the development of an integrated foreign language curriculum for elementary school classrooms and provides sample lesson plans using the story "Color, Where Are You?" In order to increase the consistency as well as the scope of the curriculum, the classroom teacher and the foreign language specialist should integrate the…

Noting that when planning a program for 2-year-olds, it is important for the teacher to consider the developmental levels and interests of the children, this book offers teachers a practical guide for working with 2-year-olds in a child care setting. The 15 chapters focus on the following areas: (1) designing a flexible and responsive environment…

This booklet contains guidelines to help families coordinate health care of a child with diabetes. The first section provides general information covering what diabetes mellitus-Type I is, the symptoms of diabetes, causes of Type I diabetes, and effects of diabetes. A section on health care focuses on the membership and functions of the Family…

Beginning elementary teachers (n=124) randomly selected from a pool of recent graduates and interns at a California State University campus completed the Teacher Concern Survey at the beginning and the end of their first year of teaching. The Teacher Concern Survey identifies three stages of concerns: (1) self--themselves and their own survival;…