Now that federal and state initiatives require school districts to provide job-embedded professional development, the next step is making it happen. This book helps districts define, develop, and implement a systematic inquiry-based process with a laser-like focus on both adult and student learning. This book's inquiry model challenges educators…

A critical step in problem-based learning (PBL) units occurs when groups present their solution to the central problem. This is challenging for middle school students because it involves the creation of an evidence-based argument (Krajcik et al., "Journal of the Learning Sciences" 7:313-350, 1998). Using a mixed method design, this study…

This longitudinal, five-year study of teachers and students who had participated in a systemic reform program in science explored if (1) teacher change in practice realized during a three-year program is sustained one, two, and three years following the program, (2) student performance on state science assessments two years following studying with…

This study investigated secondary school students' conceptions of assessment and feedback. Five focus groups were conducted with 41 Year 9 and 10 students (equivalent to Grades 8 and 9 in other countries) from 4 diverse New Zealand schools. Students said that assessment was useful because it led to information and feedback. This information, in…

This document was developed to provide action steps that can be taken by teachers, parents, administrators, and students themselves to develop the personal, cognitive, and social dimensions of students. These advocates are identified in "The Holistic Learner Framework: A Culturally Responsive Approach to Accelerating the Achievement of Low…

This book explains the importance of goal setting for the adolescent reader. It describes why goal setting is helpful; how goals help students accomplish what they want; and how they can make them a part of their everyday life. Throughout the book are tips, advice, and reflections from adolescents and adults about how goal setting has helped them.…

There are many students who could profit from increasing their scores by even 50 points. It can mean the difference between getting into a "reach" or a "safety" school. Thus, there are a large number of students who could benefit from a book like this. Most of the books on the market are geared toward the great number of…

This pamphlet, prepared by the Southern Oregon Research and Development Committee (SORD), offers suggestions for students and teachers for improving the test-taking skills of primary school students. Seven suggestions for students to consider prior to taking tests cover such topics as studying, diet, exercise, and comfortable dress. Included in…

This pamphlet, prepared by the Southern Oregon Research and Development Committee (SORD), offers suggestions for students and teachers for improving students' test-taking skills. Among the skills that students should possess to be prepared for taking tests are knowing the purposes of testing, having experience and practice in testing and following…

This book looks at an issue which is at the heart of every classroom, the role that talk plays in children's learning. Drawing on a substantial research base, the book provides useful suggestions to facilitate successful talk between teachers and children to improve learning and raise standards. Through analysing the talk that goes on in primary…

This study investigated the effect of Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) on elementary-prep school students' improvement in English as a foreign language (EFL). Eightythree students in Al-Tamayoz Elementary-prep School, United Arab Emirates, were selected and divided into experimental and control groups (43 and 40 participants…

A study was conducted with forty-seven preservice childhood (elementary) education teachers (42 F, 5 M) enrolled in two mathematics methods classes taught by the same instructor to determine the effect of these college students making curriculum materials appropriate for upper elementary students on the preservice teachers' knowledge of…

This self-help book is aimed at middle school students who are learning to cope with different teachers' styles and rules, as well as learning how to follow a schedule. It provides tips, techniques, and strategies on how to read faster; take better notes in class; become a better writer; improve study skills; and ways to ask for help when needed.…

This booklet provides a multi-curriculum collection of ideas and activities designed to improve the study skills of students in kindergarten through sixth grade. This collection of ideas and activities may be used to supplement learning activities in any classroom, and many of the booklet's pages may be duplicated for parent or student use.…

Designed to help poorly prepared students perform better in college and to help prepared students perform at higher levels, this paper presents a series of specific suggestions for students regarding study activities, course choice, thinking behavior, and time allocation. The suggestions include the following: (1) eliminate diversions during study…