This study examines a collaborative project between a literacy professor and a classroom teacher. The professor used a Newbery Award winning novel to develop a unit for a fifth-grade classroom using curricular materials and methods that showcased research-based literacy practices. The fifth-grade teacher, in turn, used her knowledge of students'…

Whether a study is qualitative or quantitative, the process of data collection is not as orderly as it may seem when described in published research reports, articles, or books. Data collection may be more challenging when conducting research across national and linguistic borders. In this article, I share and reflect upon the complex and messy…

Web conferencing software enables distance learners to attend classes. This paper recounts student reactions to this delivery method and makes suggestions for conducting virtual classes.

The literature suggests that children who struggle with communication during social interactions, called "pragmatic language" in the field of speech language pathology, have fewer opportunities to engage in social practices that promote learning because of inadequate skills in interacting with others. Children with even subtle difficulties in…

The National Council on Disabilities (NCD) undertook this study in 2007 to focus the nation's attention on the health care disparities experienced by people with disabilities, and to provide information and recommendations that can help to eliminate health care inequities for people with disabilities. Among the key findings were that: (1) People…

This exploratory mixed methods design research report will investigate whether or not participating in literacy activities that are based on best practice will have a positive impact on the attitudes and behaviors of preservice teachers toward reading and writing for both professional practice and pleasure. In an effort to closely examine the…

Studies report that U.S. students rank among the lowest in the area of mathematical knowledge of all industrialized countries. Schools in the United States are producing graduates ill-prepared to be successful at jobs which require mathematical competency. To increase mathematical understanding, this study examined the inclusion of writing in…

The fundamental concepts of Achieving the Dream--using evidence to develop and evaluate strategies for improving student learning and success--are also important to successful efforts to meet accreditation requirements. Following the Achieving the Dream approach can help community colleges organize and document improvement efforts in ways that are…

"Tolerance is not enough, discrimination must be fought" is what ESU staff stated in their Seminar on Equality in London, last May. Following their seminar, they decided to provide members with more practical tools to fight discrimination in higher education. This handbook aims at as part of that strategy. Focusing on several issues that…

This article systematically reviews research on the achievement outcomes of four types of approaches to improving the reading success of children in the elementary grades: reading curricula, instructional technology, instructional process programs, and combinations of curricula and instructional process. Study inclusion criteria included use of…

Technology currently plays a crucial role in impacting teaching practices within schools. Similarly, a technology coordinator performs several tasks within a school environment and plays multiple roles that influence teaching and learning each day. Described as a "position with a protocol," Frazier and Bailey (2004) noted that effective technology…

This paper examines the practical implications for teachers wishing to incorporate e-learning and Web 2.0 technologies into their pedagogy. The authors concentrate on applied didactical scenarios and the impacts of e-learning innovations. The methods applied stem from grounded theory and action research. An analytical framework was derived by…

This report summarizes what we have learned in the course of the "Innovation America" initiative, paying special attention to the role of governors in establishing best practices. In collaboration with leading experts, the National Governors Association (NGA) Center for Best Practices produced several reports expanding on…

This study explores the effects of immediate and delayed feedback for 2 noncohort groups of high school students enrolled in distance learning courses at Brigham Young University. One group received immediate feedback while the second group received delayed feedback. Those students receiving immediate feedback performed significantly better on…

"Re-forming Gifted Education" (Rogers, 2002) offers "best practices" for gifted students. The book also includes a procedure for developing a child's education plan with a variety of choices. Nevertheless, in recent years, the author has often been asked "how" one can ensure that the "best" matches are made for a child. A parent or teacher may…