Through the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) Initiative, states and territories have collaborated in the development of a common core of standards in English Language Arts and mathematics for grades kindergarten through twelve that are now being adopted by states. Designed not only for the purpose of providing strong, shared expectations, the…

The purpose of this longitudinal study was to focus on the learner-centered belief systems of students in early field placements and as intern teachers. This study provided an empirical test of the strengths of the university's clinical continuum and professional development school placements. The results indicate that perceptions of…

The issue of professional development is receiving increased attention, as educators and policy makers are realizing the centrality of teachers to school reform and improvement. This paper describes research on book clubs as a mechanism for professional development and discusses how different study group configurations (i.e., preservice teacher…

This article is based upon an online survey of 1182 teachers in 20 local authorities across Scotland. The aim of the survey was to ascertain the views of teachers on the Chartered Teacher scheme, which was introduced in Scotland in 2002. The questions asked teachers' views on the structure of the scheme, its success to date and what changes they…

This multi-layered qualitative study explored a learner-centered curriculum intervention designed to support constructivist learning with practicing PK-12 teachers in a United States university Masters degree program. Research questions that guided faculty inquiry were: 1) How do practicing teachers understand the principles of learner-centered…

Research demonstrates that authentic instruction is an effective form of teaching and raising student achievement. The purpose of this study was to examine high school math or science teachers who had a high interest in using authentic instruction in three different school settings--an alternative school, a charter school, and a traditional…

In large numbers of elementary and secondary schools across the United States teachers are being called upon to provide support to colleagues through a process called "instructional coaching." Despite widespread implementation of this role, resulting in part from federal initiatives, there is little consensus regarding its operational…

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to explore informal contexts of teachers' workplace professional learning and inform educational researchers, teacher educators, administrators and teachers about ways in which teachers learn to improve their practice. By questioning how teachers learn on-the-job to be better teachers and how school cultures…

Inclusion of students with disabilities in general education classes is at the forefront of policy and practice; however, many general educators do not feel prepared to provide meaningful education to students with disabilities. It is critical, therefore, that administrators determine the specific professional development needs of their teaching…

Since the 1920's many researchers have conducted studies exploring the qualities of good teachers. However, a limited number of empirical studies have been conducted in the People's Republic of China (hereafter called China). The current study has two objectives. The first one aims to compare a good teacher's characteristics in China and the USA.…

Distance education is a significant topic of discussion among faculty at all levels of education. This study produced evidence regarding the attitudes toward three distance education delivery modes for science professional development. The study involved 94 elementary school teachers who were participating in a professional development project.…

The study compared the effects of a professional development course delivered in an online and a face-to-face format. The effects examined included changes in teachers' pedagogical beliefs, instructional practices, and understanding of teaching number-sense and related mathematical concepts. The study randomly assigned participants to either the…

The goal of the "Closing the Achievement Gap for 21st Century Learners in West Virginia (CAG)" report, 3rd edition, is to update West Virginia educators to the status and improvement of student achievement in West Virginia which may then be utilized as a basis for determining future educational decisions. In order to enhance the quality…

This report compares findings from the End of Training surveys administered to Participant Teachers (PTs) who took part in the Classic version of Intel Teach to the Future and who took part in the Expansion version of Intel Teach to the Future. Classic survey data were collected between March 2001 and July 2003. PT Expansion survey data were…

In 2007, under the leadership of Superintendent Walter Rulffes and the Clark County Education Association (CCEA), the Clark County School District (CCSD) conducted a web-based survey of all school-based licensed educators in which they were asked to share their perceptions of the state of teaching and learning conditions in the district. It was…