This study investigates the representation of diversity in STEM picture books for the primary grades. Research suggests that the inclusion or exclusion of various identities contributes to how children view their potential and sense of belonging, which can shape their STEM identity. Children often view books with the lens of understanding what…

For decades, differentiated instruction (DI) has been utilized as a generalist teaching approach and an inclusive practice in order to enhance the participation of all learners in the mainstream classroom, including learners with special educational needs. The extensive use of differentiation in mainstream classrooms as the gateway to inclusive…

There are notable historical figures commonly taught in social studies curriculums across the country, often without much controversy. Because they are seen as "elemental" to many World and U.S. histories, they mostly remain in standardized curriculum while recent censorship of content concerning race, gender, and sexuality has…

Introduction: The 2022 NAEP Mathematics Assessment reported the "largest score declines in NAEP mathematics at grades 4 and 8 since initial assessments in 1990" (NAEP, 2022). More disturbing is that those who could least afford to lose ground lost the most. Gaps based on race, gender, and disability remain virtually unchanged from year…

Environmental education across the K-12 science curriculum lacks critical examination of human and ecological relationships, particularly in relation to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. While the "Next Generation Science Standards" include environmental topics within their disciplinary core ideas and…

The article presents an empirical research of the problem of educational edification in the axiological plane, analyzes scientific literature, history, and strategies of edificatory changes in response to contemporary challenges in primary education, substantiates the features of cultural and historical and pedagogical processes related to the…

This article offers detailed accounts of self-study research conducted by two South African teachers who used drawing as an arts-based method to gain insights from children in their schools. While much of the published research on drawing as a self-study method has involved drawing by teachers or teacher educators, the focus here is on two…

Computational Thinking (CT) has become popular in recent years and has been recognized as an essential skill for everyone in the digital age. CT literature, however, is at an early stage of development, and there is no consensus among researchers/scholars in the field. To date, many have been unable to concretely explain what CT is, or how to…

Contemporary educational theory and practice increasingly emphasise the importance of integrated education in creating the conditions for success for primary school students. In Lithuania, as part of the 2020-2024 curriculum update and the development of general curricula, integrated education is highlighted as one of the priorities for achieving…

This paper discusses strategies for capturing and maintaining the attention of primary school students in the classroom. The ability to engage young minds is critical for effective teaching and learning. In this paper, we explore various approaches that educators can use to ensure that their lessons are interesting, stimulating, and relevant to…

The primary goal of this research is to examine New York State's humane education mandate, Section 809 of the Education Law; specifically, its history, barriers, and possible implementation solutions to achieve statewide elementary school compliance. It explores the educational system and its role in school compliance with the mandate. In…

This study examined the most common social skills among elementary school students in an intercultural environment with contextual diversity, taking age, gender and place of birth into consideration. A total of 803 students (aged 6 to 12) were assessed using the previously validated "social skills questionnaire for intercultural students in…

Known for decades but with minimal change, the underrepresentation of minority and low socioeconomic students in gifted programs has been a concern that needs to be brought to the forefront and addressed. Despite increasing diversity in schools and heightened attention to equity, the ongoing apprehension of underrepresentation remains. This…

The purpose of this qualitative descriptive study was to explore how K-5 teachers in central Missouri described how they used SEL in the classroom during the COVID-19 pandemic; and how they think their use of SEL addressed student mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Research questions included how K-5 teachers in central Missouri described…

The use of a pedagogical practice known as 'differentiation' has become more common over time as educators have sought to respond to increases in the diversity of students enrolling in their local school. However, there are now so many misperceptions and definitional inconsistencies that it is difficult to know what is being enacted in the name of…