For children developing language typically, exposure to language through the natural, general language stimulation provided by families, siblings, and others is sufficient enough to facilitate language learning (Bloom & Lahey, 1978; Nelson, 1973; Owens, 2008). However, children with language delays (even those who are receptively and…

One of the main beliefs in quality assurance is that this activity--indirectly--will stimulate change in the work practices associated with teaching and learning in higher education. However, few studies have provided empirical evidence of the existence of such a link. Instead, quality assurance has created an unfortunate divide between formal…

This paper presents the findings of original research which applied the Early Childhood Environmental Rating Scale Extension (ECERS/E) four Curricular Subscales in 26 pre-schools throughout Ireland to measure and assess the provision of literacy, maths, science and environment, and diversity as follows: inadequate, minimal, good or excellent. The…

The Ministry of Education has set the target of 100% of New Zealand schools to be "mostly" inclusive by 2014. But what are the essential elements of inclusion? This paper explores essential core elements that allow inclusion to flourish. Based on an extensive time in the field as part of a year-long doctoral research project, these…

Multicultural sensitivity and competency represent critical components to contemporary practice and supervision in school psychology. Internship and supervision experiences are a capstone experience for many new school psychologists; however, few receive formal training and supervision in multicultural competencies. As an increased number of…

The increase in smartphone adoption has been no less than astounding. Unfortunately, the explosive growth has been accompanied by a rash of security problems. A contributing factor to the growing security problem is a lack of education, training, and awareness. In addition, "bring your own device" (BYOD) policies often leave security…

The purpose of test directions is to familiarize examinees with a test so that they respond to items in the manner intended. However, changes in educational measurement as well as the U.S. student population present new challenges to test directions and increase the impact that differential familiarity could have on the validity of test score…

Using results from a survey and focus groups with staff and students, I evaluate best practice for student-focused assessment criteria, including the value of specific assessment criteria, where and when students engage with criteria, the use of exemplars, how assessment criteria connect to feedback and the importance of bringing students more…

Although often overlooked as a key factor in health status, stable and affordable housing plays a critical role in protecting children and adolescents. This article examines possibilities as well as challenges in health-oriented housing interventions for children, with particular attention to understanding how the law--and its limits--shape the…

The purpose of this mixed methods study was to investigate variables that impede the utilization of research findings in, or the transfer of learning from professional development workshops into, classroom best practices. Participants comprised 202 Georgia Master Teachers who attended Leadership Institutes. Participants were taught strategies for…

With the reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA), focus has shifted as more states have begun to use a process of identifying learning disabilities based on a child's response to scientific, research-based interventions (i.e., RTI). The decision-making process has been converted into a series of…

The purpose of this case study is to examine the perceptions of school personnel and state leaders in New York State regarding the current teacher evaluation process known as the Annual Professional Performance Review (APPR), which is the annual evaluation of all teachers and administrators in New York State. Results of the APPR are used for…

The Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges (AGB) strives to continuously advance the practice of governance by designing and instilling best practices and advocating nationally on issues that affect higher education. AGB shares vital information and knowledge with members and provides customized consulting services to help…

This research studies teachers' experience with the concept of "flow." Flow can be described as a state of being in which one is fully engrossed in the activity. When activities are in "flow," there is a sense of immersion, high energy, joy, and focus. In an analysis of fifteen teachers' reflections of flow…

As online education gains popularity and has become the fastest growing segment of higher education, there appears to be a gulf between the literature of what is possible and the reality of what is actually happening in the online classroom. The goal of this research was to determine if it was practical to combine experiential learning in an…