The purpose of this study is to explore the general topic of what it means to implement a transformative approach to teacher education consistent with a holistic philosophy, particularly when working with educators teaching in an "unholistic" professional setting. The exploration will be through a case study of the tenth cohort of the MA…

Globalization and the influx of multinational corporations over the past 30 years have significantly impacted the educational system in Costa Rica. The need for knowledge-based workers has become essential in continuing to strengthen the economy and attracting foreign direct investment. The purpose of this qualitative study was to understand the…

There is growing momentum across the country to support statewide implementation of social and emotional learning (SEL) in preschool through high school. In this brief we report on how many states have developed learning standards to support SEL. We have observed commonalities in the process states have used, and we share some of the lessons we…

Many students in third, fourth and fifth grades struggle at the lowest levels of reading proficiency. In fact, fewer than 40% of fourth graders in the United States read at or above the "proficient" level on state standardized tests in 2009 (D'Ardenne, Barnes, Hightower, Lamason, Mason, Patterson, Stephens, Wilson, Smith & Erickson,…

This brief summarizes the findings from a study that surveyed principals of rural schools nationwide that were designated as in need of improvement and that used the transformation model under the federal School Improvement Grant (SIG) program. It provides information about the use of SIG funds in rural areas and is designed to help state leaders…

This exploratory qualitative case study explored the pedagogical beliefs and classroom practice of four Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) students when they implement Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for teaching and learning, including what influences their beliefs. Data were gathered by means of a teacher belief system…

This protocol guides the review of research that informs What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) intervention reports in the area of student mental health and well-being. This review-specific protocol is used in conjunction with the WWC Procedures and Standards Handbook (Version 3.0). This review focuses on interventions for middle, high school, and…

The introduction of the new National Curriculum in England, was initially viewed with suspicion by practitioners, uneasy about the radical departure from the previous National Curriculum, in both breadth and scope of the content. However, this paper will suggest that upon further reflection the brevity of the content could lend itself to a total…

There is little doubt that the healthcare industry is experiencing tremendous growth in regards to technology. If you have visited a healthcare professional recently, you may have seen a similar notice, "Please be patient as we implement a new electronic healthcare record system." This confluence of technology and healthcare provides a…

The creation of a Sophomore Learning Community (SLC) model can help address concerns about the "sophomore slump" and sophomore attrition. While managing the logistics of a sophomore LC can be difficult, with proper faculty, staff, and administrative support, positive results can be produced. This article outlines the need for Sophomore…

At its most basic level, sight-reading can be defined as the production of accurate pitch and rhythm from a previously unseen musical score. For vocalists, sight-reading principally involves the production of pitches by determining their relationship within a tonal framework. The ability to mentally conceive tonal function and convert it into…

This paper presents an overview of the Bristol ChemLabS project. In particular, it describes the development and impacts of the outreach project within Bristol ChemLabS, the UK's Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) in practical chemistry, and its continuation beyond the funded project. The major elements of working with both…

The philosophy behind the kind of teacher education one receives affects the preparedness of beginning agricultural education teachers. The purpose of this philosophical study was to examine and summarize the professional knowledge, technical knowledge, and general knowledge competencies needed in a comprehensive teacher education program to…

This report describes the foundation and rationale for a framework designed to measure reading literacy. The aim of the effort is to build an assessment system that reflects current theoretical conceptions of reading and is developmentally sensitive across a prekindergarten to 12th grade student range. The assessment framework is intended to…

The importance of nature-based play has gradually become forefront in an array of research fields. From the more obvious physical benefits to the complex mental benefits, nature has proved time and time again to be the cure-all for a variety of common ailments. Richard Louv, author of the famed "Last Child in the Woods," has spawned a…