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,…

This study sought to identify lessons for social workers from the health care research on influencing practitioners to use evidence-based practices (EBP). Research reviews of strategies to influence providers to use EBP are summarized. Among the findings are that printed educational materials, the use of local opinion leaders, and continuous…

This paper uses data originally gathered as part of an Australian national research study into the Impact of Educational Research (2000). The author was a member of one of four research teams, led by Professor Marilyn McMeniman. The team's focus was to identify the main influences on the knowledge that teachers draw on as they teach--their…

When implementing institutional strategies to bring research and teaching together, learning occurs. A research-intensive university in Australia put in place institutional strategies to strengthen the relationship between research and teaching.

As part of a study on planning in early grades social studies, teachers' unit plans were examined for evidence that reading and discussing a research report about what young children knew about the production, distribution, and consumption of food influenced their choices of curricular goals and instructional practices. Unit plans were…