This quantitative quasi-experimental study, adopting a pretest/post-test control/treatment group design, investigated the efficacy of instructional strategies for developing divergent thinking in gifted and talented students within K-6 heterogeneous cluster classes. It specifically explored the problem of insufficient evidence-based approaches for…

More than 50% of fourth graders in the United States are reading below a proficient level, with more than 75% of students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch scoring lower than the U.S. average reading score. A framework of background knowledge is essential for vocabulary acquisition so the reader can comprehend the meaning of a text.…

In collaboration with the Arts Education Partnership, Education Commission of the States is turning its attention to STEAM education (adding the "A" for arts), which can promote a more comprehensive approach and provide state policymakers with more policy levers. Several states have already begun implementing STEAM education and are…

This study examines the effect of teacher preparedness and the effectiveness of professional development that has been designed to enhance special education instructional strategies. The purpose of this qualitative study is to determine the preparedness level of general teachers and special education teachers that enable them to effectively teach…

Curriculum plays an important role in ensuring continuity and progression from early childhood education and care (ECEC) to primary education. The alignment of curricula and standards across these settings shapes children's early experiences with education systems, with implications for children's relationships and engagement in both ECEC and…

As school districts across the country attempt to comply with federal and state mandates to effectively integrate technology into today's teaching and learning, they must face the challenge of also developing professional development plans which will adequately and successfully prepare teachers for implementing these new resources and these new…

The Center on Enhancing Early Learning Outcomes (CEELO) reviewed data on 21 states' principal licensure requirements, conducted structured interviews with experts on principal preparation and professional development in 7 states, and spoke with staff at the National Association of Elementary School Principals and the National Institute for School…

Advocates for Children of New Jersey (ACNJ) recently examined the status of kindergarten throughout the state and found that for these programs to become that strong linchpin for young students, programs and standards must be strengthened and better coordination must take place between preschool and grades 1st through 3rd. Over the last year, ACNJ…

THE READING GUIDE OF THE ENGLEWOOD PUBLIC SCHOOLS, NEW JERSEY, EMPHASIZES INDIVIDUALIZED INSTRUCTION. TEACHERS ARE URGED TO BE LESS CONCERNED WITH TEXTBOOK MATERIAL AND MORE CONCERNED WITH PUPIL ABILITY. THE FOLLOWING THREE PREMISES GUIDE THE READING PROGRAM--(1) GRADE PLACEMENTS ARE NO LONGER AN ADEQUATE BASIS FOR STRUCTURING THE READING PROGRAM.…

The use of videotaped episodes of elementary mathematics classrooms for professional development is not new. However, without appropriate support, preservice teachers may find it difficult to hone in on the underlying features of the targeted practices displayed in the swift-moving action of the classroom being observed. The focus in this study is…

Some high achievers are not as easy to engage. Sometimes motivating high achievers is "a matter of being more sensitive to what they are interested in," says Don Ambrose, a professor of education at Rider University in New Jersey. But too often classrooms are not set up for that kind of sensitivity. Research shows that schools are…

Describes a program, begun by an elementary school principal, called In the Principal's Shadow, a yearlong program for teachers, who aspire to be principals, to become acquainted with duties and responsibilities of the principalship. (PKP)

Highlights of a career education program for the elementary grades in New Jersey, entitled Technology for Children (T4C), are presented separately for the years 1969, 1970, and 1971. A systems approach was utilized to integrate this comprehensive program into New Jersey schools, focusing on its urban areas. Preliminary program planning and…

THE IMPROVEMENT OF INSTRUCTION IN READING FOR EVERY CHILD IN THE ENGLEWOOD PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM WAS THE GOAL. TEACHERS OF INTERMEDIATE AS WELL AS PRIMARY LEVEL PUPILS WERE CONFRONTED WITH SEVERAL QUESTIONS--(1) HOW MANY OPPORTUNITIES ARE PROVIDED FOR EACH PUPIL TO EXPRESS HIS IDEAS IN A DIGNIFIED FRAMEWORK TO ONE OR TWO OF HIS PEERS, TO HIS CLASS,…

During the past several years, school superintendents and educational leaders from around the country have convened at the Pearson Education Instructional Leadership Council to discuss solutions for some of the most pressing issues they confront, especially regarding teaching and learning. Several common change principles have emerged from these…