Parents and educators want children to be seen and valued when they enter their classroom each day. A student-affirming education creates a welcoming environment for all children regardless of their race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, income, ability, family structure or other characteristic. Such an education sees each…

This truly accessible resource shows primary school practitioners how to help every student feel valued and included in school so that they develop confidence, resilience, love of learning, a positive sense of self and healthy relationships. Sue Roffey presents a visionary and unique approach to education underpinned by clear principles that can…

For decades safety has been an integral component of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and CTE (career and technical education) instruction. Given today's litigious society, safety in P-12 STEM education and CTE has received greater attention. This in part is the result of the rise in popularity of collaborative learning…

Families and other caregivers play a major role in children's learning and success in school. Psychologists have learned a great deal about how families can help their children learn and thrive in the classroom. Through conversations with caregivers and extensive research, psychologists have developed ideas about how children learn, what helps…

The "IDRA Newsletter" serves as a vehicle for communication with educators, school board members, decision-makers, parents, and the general public concerning the educational needs of all children across the United States. The focus of this issue is "Welcoming School Climates." Contents include: (1) Welcoming and Safe Schools…

The "IDRA Newsletter" serves as a vehicle for communication with educators, school board members, decision-makers, parents, and the general public concerning the educational needs of all children across the United States. The focus of this issue is "Student Rights." Contents include: (1) Restorative Practices Can Prevent and…

"Marvel" at the neuroscientific reasons why smart teens make dumb decisions! "Behold" the mind-controlling power of executive function! "Thrill" to a vision of a better school for the teenage brain! Whether you're a parent interacting with one adolescent or a teacher interacting with many, you know teens can be hard…

Maria Montessori developed a form of education in the first half of the last century that came to be called by her surname, and research indicates it often has positive outcomes. In the years since its development, tens of thousands of schools worldwide have called their programs "Montessori," yet implementations vary widely, leading to…

Children's ways of learning are as different as the colors of the rainbow. All children have different personalities, preferences and tastes; they all have a certain way they prefer to learn. Teachers and parents need to be aware of and value these differences. Children's brains develop faster from birth to age three than any other time, and more…

The "IDRA Newsletter" serves as a vehicle for communication with educators, school board members, decision-makers, parents, and the general public concerning the educational needs of all children across the United States. The focus of this issue is "Fair & Effective Education Policy." Contents include: (1) Community…

Schools are learning organisations. They continuously strive to do better for the children and young people in their charge. In doing so, they try new things, seek to learn from those experiences, and work to adopt and embed the practices that work best. Implementation is a key aspect of what schools do to improve, and yet it is a domain of school…

Whole-school or whole-class programs designed to promote positive behavior can enhance the likelihood that effective teaching and learning occur for all students. This practice guide is intended to help elementary education educators, as well as school and district administrators and parents, implement and support effective prevention-focused…

The "IDRA Newsletter" serves as a vehicle for communication with educators, school board members, decision-makers, parents, and the general public concerning the educational needs of all children in Texas and across the United States. The theme of this issue is "Institutional Grit." Articles include: (1) The Link between…

What should parents of gifted young learners expect to see in the early grades? How can parents be supportive, yet advocate for their child's needs? After 25 years of working with parents of young children, the author offers some candid advice: Be kind, be gentle, and be relentless in the pursuit of challenge for the child. In this article the…

Assistive technology (AT) for students with visual impairments (VI) is an essential part of their educational program. AT allows students to develop skills, engage in the academic environment, and function independently. Despite the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) mandate for AT as part of a student's Individualized Education…