Explores the interrelationship of educational research to art. Recommends using art as a part of research methodology. Describes the use of a nineteenth-century painting, "The Knitting Lesson," as a metaphor for incorporating the use of research in preservice art education. (CFR)

Asserts that most general sociology textbooks address the theory-research connection either by complicating the issue or by minimizing its significance. Presents an alternative instructional approach that uses visual cues to illustrate the connection between theory and research. (CFR)

Reports on study of whether the research agendas of economists who graduate from highly regarded research universities differ from those who graduate from lower-ranked institutions. Finds that, in econometrics, money, international economics, and industrial organization, research topics flow from the elite to the rank-and-file schools; however,…

Classroom assessment and classroom research in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system is traced to 1989 when the terms entered the community-college faculty-development vocabulary. They are now household words among the 500 faculty participating regularly in faculty development. Problems encountered and positive results are…

This commentary on a study that found the use of a system of least prompts produced increases in rates of conversations between preschoolers with and without disabilities discusses the benefits of the hierarchical model of intervention that maximizes the usefulness of research to practitioners. (Author/CR)

Australian implementation of competency-based training fails to recognize that mere competency statements are inadequate as a basis for teaching. Many vocational teachers lack sufficient background in psychology for successful implementation. Good curriculum documents can help by incorporating key research on skill learning, transfer, expertise,…

This interview discusses the school-improvement process, describing difficulties with setting schoolwide goals, what should happen once the goal is selected, what prevents schools from emphasizing a single goal and working to achieve it, the need to develop high academic expectations for all students, how to use research, ways to go beyond test…

Examines factors influencing research-practice gaps in the assessment and treatment of adults with neurologic communication disorders. Both researchers and clinicians are urged to learn alternative research strategies, build partnerships, and take advantage of new information technologies. Strategies are suggested for directly applying, adapting,…

Compares the findings of two research projects with studies of the consolidation and application of clinical knowledge in clinical decision making. Both studies confirmed the importance of personal clinical knowledge. Health information services need to use a variety of strategies and knowledge management skills to ensure that the evaluated…

This article describes the rationale, development, and first-year implementation of Wisconsin's Preschool Action Research and Development Initiative, a school-university partnership that creates opportunities for researchers and teachers to work collaboratively while examining issues related to early childhood inclusion. Findings on the impact on…

Six teachers of students with emotional/behavioral disorders were observed during reading instruction and interviewed. Three teachers provided some reading instruction that was documented as effective and designed to meet students' needs. Controlling student behavior through isolating students, providing extensive time for worksheets, and negative…

Two gifted program evaluations found an absence of data on student learning, fragmentation of service models across the K-12 expanse, and a lack of systemic staff-development strategies and parent involvement. Insufficient resource bases and complex leadership demands that required movement on multiple fronts simultaneously created barriers to…

A study investigated how phonemic-awareness research and intervention knowledge was successfully translated for teacher implementation in two kindergarten classes (n=27) over three years. Research-validated strategies were first identified, the research was translated into teacher friendly materials/procedures, teachers participated in choosing…

Several Colorado schools hired data analysts to help with school improvement efforts. The analysts are teachers who participate on school leadership teams and who support school action research teams. They collect and organize baseline data, help teams measure results of proposed changes, and evaluate results after implementation. Because they are…

This paper describes how individual elementary schools can bridge the gap between research and practice in their beginning reading programs. Review of research based programs, instructional strategies, and school-based assessment is followed by reports of how two schools organized and used early reading assessment data to show reading growth,…