This report describes initial findings from a study of middle school science curriculum materials that were designed to promote learning as called for by the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). WestEd led an independent randomized controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of the NGSS-designed Amplify Science Middle School (ASMS) curriculum.…

The COVID-19 pandemic has been called an educational catastrophe. It caused massive disruptions in education, learning loss for students, and massive increases in teacher workloads, stress, and health-related issues. There were significant issues of student disengagement and rampant cheating on assessments. This paper looks not at the huge…

This study aims to reveal the need-support profiles of science teachers by using three variables (teachers' autonomy support, involvement, and structure support), as well as the role of the teachers with such profiles in students' collective engagement. Within the scope of the study, first of all, the observation form developed by Reeve, Jang,…

In this study, we investigated mathematics teacher's noticing of students' thinking in the context of mathematical modeling activities (MEAs) related to statistics. One middle-school mathematics teacher participated in the study, which adopted a case study design. Data were collected through interviews with the teacher based on video recordings of…

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to examine how teacher collaboration influenced the participation of Leo, an ESL student, in a collaboratively taught classroom at a middle school in the Southeastern United States. To this aim, this study consisted of two collaborative cycles and used the constant comparative method to analyze the…

The work of racial justice advocacy in the field of education is fraught with responsibility and challenge. The impact of historical racism on social policy within the United States has had an enduring effect in the educational realm, which is maintained in part by the prevailing white supremacy culture (WSC). Recent middle level education…

Differentiated instruction, an inclusive teaching strategy incorporating essential skills while individualizing curriculum at current instructional levels, has little inquiry into its effect on standards-based grading system within the middle grades setting. This qualitative study was designed to better understand teacher perceptions of…

Youth suicide is a critical public health issue. School-based suicide prevention programs are one strategy to address youth suicide. This research study explores students' (N = 2,806) perspectives on the SOS Signs of Suicide program, a school-based suicide prevention program for youth in grades six through twelve that includes education and…

The purpose of the study was to understand the virtual teacher's knowledge and perception of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in their middle school students with regard to cultural difference and gender difference. ADHD is the most common behavioral disorder in students aged 3-17, with almost 10% of students in the United States…

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of teaching integers by lesson study model on students' success and attitudes in mathematics. The research uses quantitative technique, "quasi-experimental design" with pre-test post-test control groups. The participants of the study are 62 sixth grade students and 4 teachers in three…

Although competent argumentative writing is important for academic success and daily life, it is difficult to teach, especially in middle schools where English is taught as a foreign language (EFL). Previous research has indicated that extensive reading or writing improves the descriptive writing skills of EFL students. However, it is not certain…

This article provides a replication study of the National Writing Project's College, Career, & Community Writers Program (C3WP), which was found to be effective at improving student writing quality in two prior studies. C3WP is designed to improve students' source-based argument writing through intensive teacher professional development,…

Math Innovation Zones (MIZ) is a strategic grant initiative first introduced by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) in 2018. A novel state-initiative aimed at increasing PreK - 8th grade math proficiency, the highly competitive grant program provides funding to both Texas school districts and open enrollment charter schools using allocations through…

The purpose of "practical work" in chemistry lessons as perceived by teachers varies and does not always correspond with an emphasis on procedural learning. Teachers project various objectives in them. These activities have various characteristics and potential. The goal of this study is to find out the set of characteristics of…

This study seeks to illuminate and describe the experience of students engaging in mathematical portfolios. In particular, this study reveals key insights into how students demonstrate their mathematical identity and metacognition. Portfolio assessment has been described as an intentional collection of evidence that captures student…