Gravemeijer's (1999, 2004) construct of a "local instruction theory" suggests a means of offering teachers a framework of reference for designing and engaging students in a set of sequenced, exemplary instructional activities that support students' mathematical development for a focused concept. In this paper we offer a local instruction theory to…

Performance on standardized writing assessments indicates that less than one-third of American K-12 students are proficient in writing. Despite this statistic, the current emphasis on reading in elementary schools means preservice elementary teachers may observe little writing instruction during field experiences. This article presents the results…

In this final article, the authors look at how research on effective instruction for English Learners translates into schools and districts--in other words, where the research meets the classroom. The authors begin by discussing some models for school and district support for English Learner programs. Then, drawing examples from actual schools and…

Increasing student achievement and success is the biggest concern of educators across the nation. Educational leaders strive for ways to ensure that all students succeed. In doing that we must develop a strategic plan. The purpose of this article is to discuss the relationship between the "Ways of Knowing Through the Realms of Meaning"…

The "Multiple Intelligences, Curriculum and Assessment Project" at University College Cork was a collaborative project carried out between 1995 and 1999. The key research question focused on whether Howard Gardner's theory of Multiple Intelligences could be applied to, and enhance, aspects of curriculum and assessment at primary and…

A model assignment was designed and tested to enhance special education teacher candidates' skills and understanding in order to improve student learning. The model includes university and school-site activities that develop teacher candidates' awareness of the relationship between on-task learning time and student achievement. Teacher candidates…

This collection of papers provides a small overview of educational research in Estonia. The papers in the collection treat school reforms since the renewal of independence in 1991, new approaches to teacher training, the implementation of a child-centred approach in school, the achieving of educational aims and other actual topics in education.…