Expectations for reading achievement in the state of Iowa require all students to be proficient by the end of third grade (ELI, 2012). This requires both teachers and principals serving elementary schools to improve reading achievement. Although teachers are proven to have the most immediate impact on student achievement, it is principals'…

The purpose of this longitudinal case study was to develop a process and structure for adopting and leading critical school reform initiatives within a rural North Dakota pre-kindergarten through fourth grade elementary school. Elementary principals can use this process and structure to benefit staff, and ultimately, to improve student academic…

This article explores the case of a Vietnamese teacher whose conception of teaching changed greatly following a short but intensive series of lessons based on the Japanese experiences with atomic bombs. The following three issues are considered: 1) what types of efforts teachers should make to increase the depth of their lessons, on the basis of…

A population of students attending a rural elementary school (grades one to five) in the state of Washington participated in literacy workshops for ten weeks. The literacy workshops took place during school time from 1:25 to 2:25, Monday through Thursday. There were a total of 21 groups (based on ability and age) ranging in size from 11 to 27…

Elementary education is that training which by common custom is deemed desirable and necessary for the duties and privileges of citizenship. It is usually made compulsory by law. Like all such definitions, the meaning of this statement becomes clear only through an examination of its interpretation as given in the curricula of the various school…