The purpose of this literature review was to examine education research on mentor identification, selection, preparation, and ongoing development. I organized the review in three main sections: (a) criteria for mentor identification and selection, (b) mentor preparation and development practices and processes, and (c) implications for music…

Video and coaching as vehicles for teachers' professional development have both received much attention in educational research. The combination of the two, video coaching, where teachers watch and discuss videos of their own practice with a coach, seems especially promising, but there is limited insight into how the design leads to desired…

Schools are required by the U.S. Constitution, federal and state legislation, and court rulings to ensure equity and excellent education for emergent bilingual students. This literature reviews those policies, related funding and the history of poor quality of instruction provided to these learners. It also describes the research on bilingual…

The design, implementation, and outcome of educational robots in special education have not been sufficiently examined in a systematic way. In particular, learner-based and contextual factors, as well as the essential roles played by various stakeholders have not been addressed when robots are used as a learning tool in special education.…

Instructional improvement initiatives in many districts include instructional coaching as a primary form of job-embedded support for teachers. However, the coaching literature provides little guidance about what activities coaches should engage in with teachers to improve instruction. When researchers do propose activities, they rarely justify why…

In 2001, the U.S. congress signed the No Child Left Behind bill into law. Arguably, this has been one of the most significant educational reform policies of the 21st century. Much has been written about its effect on students, teachers, curriculum, administrators and others. Nonetheless, a comprehensive review of the empirical studies on NCLB does…

The objective of this study was to examine the research on moral development for findings which could be applied to the design of programs to cultivate moral development in children and youth. The conclusion drawn from the examination of the research is that neither the dominant theoretical frameworks (e.g., Kohlberg's theory) nor the data that…

Reviews literature related to practical efforts to cultivate desired moral development reasoning and behavior. Uses Kohlberg's concepts as a reference point to help identify issues, problems, and possibilities, and proposes several practical guidelines for moral development training in the schools. (JAC)

Describes findings of a NASP-funded survey designed to identify and document exemplary mental health programs in which school psychologists were involved in program design, implementation, and/or evaluation. Results suggest school psychologists can assume a crucial role in providing mental health services for schools and communities. (Author/JDM)

Models of parent involvement in the education of severely handicapped children are reviewed, and the assertion is made that most parent involvement programs reflect professional priorities rather than parental viewpoints and needs. Assumptions underlying models in which parents are considered teachers are reviewed, and discrepancies between…

Linking older people and school children provides benefits for both groups. Describes intergenerational education programs and lists resources to help school districts obtain information on model programs and apply for funding. (MLF)

Describes a system in which questions tailored to the examinee's capabilities are administered by computer. Enumerates possible benefits of the system, reviews the "state of the art," and predicts potential applications of computerized adaptive testing. (MCG)

Conceptual issues related to dropping out, student engagement, and school completion are raised. Thirteen criteria are described as guidelines for designing, evaluating, and documenting programs to enhance successful school completion for all students. Recommendations for future research and practice include implementation of interventions,…

A brief literature review and a bibliography comprise this resource for educators interested in improving their students' critical thinking skills. The review lists terms that have been used to describe critical thinking, instructional methods that can be appropriate, and suggested characteristics of a critical thinking program. The 11-item…

Discusses the components of peer-mediated instruction and interventions (PMII) (including peer modeling, peer initiation training, peer monitoring, peer networking, peer tutoring, and group-oriented contingencies) and instructional systems that incorporate PMII components with other elements of effective instruction. Explores implications for…