This article describes the first phase of a longitudinal study that examines the impact of teacher preparation programs on the literacy instructional practices of teacher candidates. Case summaries and cross-case analysis by 12 researchers of 10 teacher preparation universities across the United States determined (1) the signature aspects of…

This study evaluated participation in the "Imagination Library" early childhood literacy enrichment program and children's pre-literacy and pre-numeracy skills at kindergarten entry in an urban school district. Previous studies have demonstrated that program participation is associated with greater early childhood reading practices.…

Researchers have confirmed that students' motivation is one of the most important factors educators can target to improve learning (Williams & Williams, 2011). This study explored the role which student's motivation played in the retention of first-time, full-time freshman (FTFTF) STEM majors at University (U) (blinded). Student motivational…

The purpose of this descriptive-correlational study was to determine the use of technology in youth programming by Extension youth development educators in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee. Data were collected via e-mail and a SurveyMonkey© questionnaire. Extension educators are using some technology in youth development programming. More…

The purpose of this study was to increase the understanding among members of the Southwest Tennessee Rural Education Cooperative (SWTREC), a coalition of superintendents from 12 districts (half of which are rural) surrounding Memphis, about the online and distance-learning courses offered by schools that compose the Cooperative. Data for this…

As part of a pilot program, the researchers sought to develop an instrument that would effectively measure the nature awareness of students. With this information, the researchers correlated nature awareness scores and science averages. According to Salomon and Perkins' theory of transfer, experiences in one situation can influence experiences in…

The challenge of producing the systemic changes that are needed to boost educational attainment and economic competitiveness across the country falls heavily on entities that coordinate public postsecondary institutions. Coordination of postsecondary education, whether of a single system of institutions or across an entire state, requires…

This study was designed to determine parent and student perspectives on school discipline in Tennessee schools and is parallel to an earlier study that examined the opinions towards discipline of teachers, administrators, and other school personnel. The sample includes nearly 1,300 students from three districts representing rural, small city, and…

A questionnaire was developed, pilot tested, and then administered to approximately 4,000 Tennessee teachers, administrators, and other school personnel to determine their views on which discipline problems seem most significant, the conditions or influences related to the problems, the most appropriate approaches for solving discipline problems,…

As part of a continuing assessment of educational needs in a seven-state region, researchers conducted a verification study to check the validity of educational needs first identified in fiscal year (FY) 1980. The seven states comprise Alabama, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. This report describes assessment…

This evaluation report relates data pertaining to the 1975-76 school year. The Good Friends Volunteer Program was established in 1974. During the 1975-76 school year, over 3,000 volunteers in 110 schools participated in the Good Friends program. Duties included giving individual attention to students; enriching programs in such areas as music,…

A survey was conducted to compare the attitudes of 250 teachers, 25 principals, and 35 central office personnel from 20 middle Tennessee counties toward curricular issues. Respondents answered 29 questions on a scale of "strongly agree, agree, disagree, strongly disagree" to generate data in 7 categories of issues: curriculum…

In February 1980, personnel from WKNO-TV and the College of Education at Memphis State University conducted a study to determine the usage and effectiveness of the 1979-80 in-school programming and future needs for instructional television services provided by the Memphis Community Television Foundation and broadcast through WKNO-TV, Memphis, and…

The purpose of this study was to determine the attitudes toward collective bargaining of teachers, principals, central office staff, and superintendents employed by Tennessee's public school systems. A 10-item opinionnaire was completed by personnel in 160 Tennessee schools. The results of this attitude questionnaire indicated that, as a whole,…

A study was conducted to obtain information on certification requirements for health occupations teachers at the secondary and postsecondary levels nationwide and to determine if Tennessee requirements are comparable to those of other states. Data were secured by questionnaires mailed to each state official responsible for supervision of health…