This paper discusses findings from an evaluation of the effectiveness of a pre-referral intervention program that was being implemented in seven school districts in the Southern Tier of New York. The initiative is known as 7 SHARE, which stands for 7 districts supporting and helping to affect regional education. The paper explores the methods used…

This report presents information on the University of Massachusetts Boston's Diversity Research Initiative (DRI). Section 1, "Essays by Participant Observers," includes "Building a Diversity Research Initiative: An Introduction" (Esther Kingston-Mann); "Diversity Imperative: Reflections on the Diversity Research…

This 24th volume of "English Leadership Quarterly" contains articles on topics of interest to those in positions of leadership in departments (elementary, secondary, or college) where English is taught. Each issue focuses on a different theme. Articles in Volume 24 Number 1 focus on matters of thinking and are: "A New Way of…

When a university educator reflected upon her experience as a teacher of preservice English teachers, she concluded that integrating action research into three courses and an internship assignment can be effective, and perhaps, more effective than a separate, theoretical course in action research itself. Most educators agree that action research…

Based on the experience of two early childhood teachers in a research-based collaborative effort to join a preschool class with a first-second grade class for various learning projects, this book offers a model for an approach to early childhood curriculum. The curriculum integrates art, science, gardening, celebrations, intergenerational program…

Lesson study helps teachers use collaborative peer insight and feedback about student responses to instruction to develop high quality lessons. Combining lesson study with collaborative action research, Ohio middle school teachers developed exemplar lessons in the four-column writing method and found that the method significantly improved…

This article examines the community of practice model as a framework for integrating educational research and practice. In addition to defining communities of practice and reflective practice, it describes two researcher-teacher partnerships and offers suggestions for transforming traditional methods of conducting research on educational practice.…

Discusses four key areas that help define and focus teacher educators' move toward a comprehensive research agenda (program design, professional development, personnel, and P-16 student learning and achievement). Summarizes literature that supports findings relevant to P-12 education (professional development of candidates, leadership development…

Identifies two divisive patterns of tension within mentor-student teacher relationships (philosophical differences and tolerance for uncertainty) within a high school English teacher education program based on collaborative inquiry and teacher research. Interviews, observations, and written documents highlighted five differences in principles and…

Explores the evolution of inquiry into a Professional Development School (PDS) context. Teacher educators hoped to cultivate inquiry as a stance into the PDS culture. This required time for teachers to understand inquiry and embrace it as a powerful tool for reflective teaching and educational change. Mentor teachers gained space to understand…

Presents a classroom investigation conducted in the framework of Exploratory Practice (EP) and illustrates EP's potential for developing a research culture in a university institution. Illustrates how investigation into group work arose from interest in developing a culture of inquiry and concludes with a note of caution concerning the pace of…

Presents a professional development project in which two kindergarten teachers conducted a writing program designed to help kindergartners become more accomplished and independent writers. Describes the strategies used to assist children in finding topics to draw and write about, learning to draw stories (ideas), learning about letter-sound…

Socially critical action research in education can be defined as being strategic and critical pedagogic action on the part of classroom teachers aimed at increasing social justice. Five characteristics of socially critical action research are examined: participation, direction, consciousness, constraints, and outcomes. (IAH)

This article presents five propositions for rethinking the role of teachers and the practice of teaching in the years ahead. The propositions are rooted in certain conditions of schooling and teaching and are proposed as a step toward making teaching as attractive a career as other lines of professional endeavor. (IAH)

Systematic intentional inquiry by teachers makes accessible some of teachers' expertise and provides universities and schools with unique perspectives on teaching and learning. A four-part working typology of teacher research is proposed, with examples of the four types: journals, essays, oral inquiry processes, and classroom studies. (IAH)