Spirituality, family influence, and teacher efficacy are the focal points of this research project. Research supports family influence as a powerful support in career selection and the positive effects spirituality has on a teacher's personal and professional life. Self efficacy possessed by a teacher gives them an "I can do attitude."…

This study aimed to add to the information known about the leaders charged with the task of successfully and sustainably turning around a school. Specifically, this research examined the extent to which leaders engaged in turnaround school reform experienced mindfulness. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, state assigned school grades of schools…

The purpose of this research study was to examine how chefs and other individuals in the food industry understood the field of culinary arts. This study used an instrumental case study with purposeful sampling of multiple cases. Through a series of open-ended interviews using snowball-sampling strategy that concluded with 45 participants sharing…

In this book, Erik M. Francis explores how one of the most fundamental instructional strategies--questioning--can provide the proper scaffolding to deepen student thinking, understanding, and application of knowledge. You'll learn: (1) Techniques for using questioning to extend and evaluate student learning experiences; (2) Eight different kinds…

"Nature Preschools and Forest Kindergartens" is the latest from environmental education expert David Sobel. Joined by a variety of colleagues to share their experiences and steps for creating a successful forest kindergarten program, "Nature Preschools and Forest Kindergartens" walks you through the European roots of the…

The high rate of students taking developmental education courses suggests that many students graduate from high school unready to meet college expectations. A college readiness screener can help colleges and school districts better identify students who are not ready for college credit courses. The primary audience for this guide is leaders and…

Educating and nurturing the next generation is a collective responsibility. When schools, families, community members, private organizations, public agencies, and civic entities work together, learners tend to be more successful and everyone benefits. As a response to new stakeholders' demands, a more rigorous and updated curriculum,…

Professional development is a vital activity in postsecondary educational institutions that is specifically intended to improve the participants' skill set as educators. Personalized education, differentiated instruction, and adaptive learning are widely discussed as being powerful tools to reach students, but are largely outward facing and not…

Brain Gym is a movement-based program designed to address a diverse range of students academic and behavioral needs by promoting whole-brain learning. However, the scientific research-base supporting Brain Gym is limited and findings are inconclusive. This study's goal was to evaluate the effects of Brain Gym movements on fourth grade students…

Mathematics is an indispensable skill. Mathematical reasoning occurs when a person is taught the basic foundations during the elementary school years. With the pressures following implementation of Common Core State Standards and Race to the Top, school districts are tried not only to raise their state test scores, but also to prepare, strengthen,…

This mixed methods research study was undertaken to examine promising instructional practices that promote student retention and completion at a mid-sized community college in North Carolina. A student perceptions survey was given in order to identify promising instructional practices; most align with Kuh's (2008) high impact practices. A focus…

The purpose of this quantitative study was to investigate the effects of using Twitter within the classroom on a secondary level and to determine whether the use of Twitter had statistically significant effects on student engagement and academic performance. Engagement is applied to student learning using Kearsley and Shneiderman's (1998)…

The role of the public school principal has expanded dramatically in recent decades. The expanded role means they are now significant multipliers of effective teaching and have a real opportunity to affect student achievement. Most states have spent recent years working to improve teacher effectiveness, recognizing its importance in improving…

In this plenary I reflect on the research I have shared over the past many years of participating and presenting in PME and PME-NA conferences to identify three intellectual divides that continually challenge and motivate my scholarship. I discuss how these intellectual borders (mathematics/education; expert/novice; research/teaching) create…

Based on an analysis of 408 mathematics research articles published in 2013, this presentation theorizes the current divide between research in mathematics education and special education using Disability Studies in Mathematics Education. For those without disabilities, mathematical learning was understood primarily through constructivist,…