There is considerable variability in the design and quality of resource provided to teachers. There is also a lack of empirical backing guiding the process of curricular resource design, specifically as it relates to teachers in different stages of their careers. The purpose of this study was to explore curricular resource use by Florida SBAE…

The introduction of college- and career-ready standards (CCRS) profoundly raises the bar for teaching and learning in American schools--and for professional development. Some school systems are rising to the challenge and significantly improving instruction and seeing student learning growth. With the support of the Bill & Melinda Gates…

There exists a sparse representation of blind and low-vision students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. This is due in part to these individuals being discouraged from pursuing STEM degrees as well as a lack of appropriate adaptive resources in upper level STEM courses and research. Mona Minkara is a rising fifth…

This report explains the key role that school librarians and libraries should play in state- and district-wide efforts to transition to digital learning, or the effective use of technology to improve teaching and learning. The report calls for district and school leaders, policymakers, and boards of education to support, encourage, and fund the…

One of a series of Education Resource Strategies (ERS) publications and tools, this paper explores important ways to organize and invest in Professional Growth & Support that strengthen teaching capacity and effectiveness at the system level. It draws on research, ERS experience with urban school systems nationwide, and detailed analyses of…

This resource guide contains an annotated bibliography of available materials for developing curriculum related to black studies. References for materials and human resources are offered in the areas of Home Economics, Language Arts, Dimensions of Language and Sociolinguistics, and Science. Material resources listed in the bibliography are…

Online learning is growing rapidly as states and districts are creating new online schools, and existing programs are adding new courses and students. The growth reflects the spreading understanding that online courses and programs can serve a wide variety of students and needs. These include: (1) Creating opportunities for small and rural school…

This publication for Pennsylvania educators outlines five homelessness curricula found in schools in Florida, Minnesota, New York, and Pennsylvania, which aim to sensitize students to the realities of homelessness. The report points out that although the curricula differ in many ways, each covers the following key topics: (1) the causes and…

The Dissemination and Diffusion Section, Florida Division of Vocational Education, provides vocational educators with innovative educational materials and technical assistance on their use. Dissemination and diffusion are often aimed at the awareness/interest level, but teacher surveys and site visits have indicated that continued contact with…

This report of the University of South Florida Consulting Team to the Tampa Model Cities Agency focuses on the desperate need for better education for Tampa citizens. Traditional structuring of curricula is rejected and the provision of choices for selection of learning experiences by the learner is proposed. The burden of responsibility is placed…

Part of a series on contemporary school reform and special education, this report discusses how states are building capacity for standards-based reform. An introduction describes seven key areas in which states must build classroom and organizational level capacities, including: (1) teachers' knowledge, skills, and dispositions; (2) students'…

There is a strong relationship between students' socioeconomic status and their levels of academic achievement. Although educators should be held accountable for improving the performance of all students, including those living in poverty, schools alone can't eliminate the negative factors associated with poverty that lead to a large achievement…

This annual report for FY 1977-78 covers major goals, objectives, and activities of the work conducted under the Florida State Planning Grant for Career Education. Activities carried out to meet the seven major goals established for the project are described. They include (1) continuing use of the established advisory group to assist in developing…

This unit contains a number of learning activities which can be incorporated into junior-high environmental education classes. Objectives are to make students aware of local environmental problems and clarify their personal values about environmental issues. Along with general kinds of land-use problems and historical overviews, the unit focuses…

This document includes the following presentations: "Partnerships for Workplace Literacy: A Developmental Model" (Lucy M. Guglielmino); "Selling the Concept: Identifying Workplace Literacy Partners" (Sheila Acevedo, Joe Mathos, and Joseph McCoy); "Designing Partnership Agreements: Who Pays for What?" (Tony Lagos,…