Addresses some of the recent criticism aimed at educational research, its failure to provide a sound base for teaching or to generate a cumulative body of knowledge. Answers that there is always a dichotomy between research and application and argues that restrictions would only worsen the situation. (MJP)

Explores constructivist teaching assumptions of early childhood teacher preparation programs: (1) active adult learning is valued; (2) educational reform begins in university classrooms; (3) translating best practices and research into teaching contributes to classrooms and student teacher supervision; (4) maintaining links to K-12 education…

This article discusses the development and implementation of procedures to comply with the Code of Practice on the Identification and Assessment of Special Educational Needs in a special British school for children with disabilities. The procedures involve observing the student, conducting diagnostic assessments, determining areas and levels of…

Carolyn Evertson discusses the importance of forging links between the teacher preparation institution and the world of practice; skills that make a good mentor; the inaccessibility of educational research and its inability to affect educational policy; new directions in classroom management; and the need to work with students, parents, and…

A fundamental goal of multicultural social work education and practice should be to integrate humanism and a syncretic approach to learning that addresses value conflicts resulting from cultural diversity. Describes a model integrating this goal with dimensions of social work practice, including social welfare policy planning and development,…

Examines how allowing Grade 3 students to demonstrate their understanding of science concepts through a variety of responses enables them to use different learning styles or intelligences. Presents examples of the kinds of work used to assess student understanding, including writing-to-learn activities, acrostic poetry, graphic organizers, such as…

This article describes the SCERTS Model, which prioritizes social communication, emotional regulation, and transactional support as the primary developmental dimensions that programs supporting young children with autistic spectrum disorders must address. The SCERTS Model has been derived from theoretical and empirical bases, is consistent with…

A study investigated the multiyear effects of evidence-based literacy practices and a program to prevent early reading failure in one elementary school. Results indicate teachers did implement new evidence-based practices, use of these practices resulted in increases in silent reading, and growth in reading fluency was substantial overall.…

Analyzes the School Autonomy Project in Israel (1988-92) in the light of the theoretical literature on school-university partnership, as an example of academe/practitioner exchange. This project was a major innovation in a country with a highly centralized educational system. Such partnerships must include the highest field level (supervisors and…

As this case study shows, Western Samoa's Western-based educational system caters to a small minority of students' higher education interests and fails to prepare non-college-bound students to survive in their own culture. Educational philosophy and practice should be consistent with core Samoan cultural values, which center on respect,…

Two teachers participating in professional development involving research were asked to read and respond, in light of their own teaching, to Lisa Delpit's study of the dilemma of progressive education versus teaching traditional skills to disadvantaged black students. The teachers' responses illustrate the importance of teachers' prior beliefs and…

Introduces a case written by two physical education teacher education instructors. Shows how case method directly impacts the teaching/learning process, explains how to facilitate discussions surrounding the case, offers sample student responses and instructor facilitation, and describes use of case teaching to promote reflection. (SM)

Describes an instructional innovation using field-based action research to enhance program quality and improve administrator preparation. Describes the learning experiences of graduate students enrolled in a supervision of instruction class while participating in a collaborative school/university project. Action research is a demanding strategy…

Describes a program in which prospective secondary mathematics teachers develop hypermedia stacks to demonstrate their understanding of important principles of mathematics, teaching, and learning. Discusses cooperative learning in small groups in methods courses and describes students' portfolios created during student teaching. (Author/LRW)

Teacher education programs are based on cultural and political assumptions about the processes involved in learning to teach and about what constitutes good teaching. A comparative study of teacher education in France, England, and Scotland examines differences in course structure, school placements, training support, professional educational…