There are considerable data documenting the importance of early experiences for healthy human development. Though widely accepted amongst mental health clinicians, developmental researchers and early childhood policymakers, this information is not well known by much of the public. We describe a specialized program designed for established and…

This article contributes to understanding the effectiveness of early grade reading interventions in low-income-country contexts and how and why such interventions vary in their effectiveness across schools. It presents the results from an impact evaluation of an early grade reading intervention in Haiti with a mixed-methods analysis of factors…

In the largest survey to date on Catholic school identity in athletics (49 U.S. States, n = 2273), administrators, counselors, and teachers responded to a survey about the perceived value of interscholastic athletics, school support of athletics, the contribution of coaches to school mission, Catholic identity in athletics, and the importance of…

This qualitative cross-case study aimed to explore effective communication in suburban and urban schools. The study investigated K-12 leaders' perceptions of effective communication with parents in suburban and urban school districts. Three open-ended questions guided the research: 1) What are principals' perceptions of effective communication…

This qualitative study explores classroom management coaching for first-year teachers (FYT). We present a case study of one urban district's pilot of a coaching program to curb persistent struggles with this vital pedagogical skill. To gather a comprehensive understanding of this program, we interviewed 15 FYTs about their experience with the…

Student bullying behaviours are a significant social issue in schools worldwide. Whilst school staff have access to quality bullying prevention interventions, schools can face significant challenges implementing the whole-school approach required to address the complexity of these behaviours. This study aimed to understand how schools' capacity to…

Shadow aides (also known as learning assistants or shadow teachers) and the vital role they play in the learning support plan of many inclusive policies and practices is under-researched. This paper explores stakeholders' experiences with and the views they hold of shadow aides in the inclusive classroom in a Caribbean context using a qualitative…

Pre-Kindergarten (Pre-K) programs are becoming increasingly common in elementary schools across the United States--in fact, a recent analysis of federal data revealed that 57% of public schools have a Pre-K grade. Despite the prevalence of Pre-K programs in schools, principals--known to be among the most important factors in school success--often…

Quality preparation of school leaders is important for school success and improved student outcomes. The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions of principal alumni and superintendents about the quality of a university's principal preparation program in relation to the NELP Standards. Utilizing survey methodology, anonymous…

Research has consistently demonstrated the benefits of school mental health (SMH) services on the well-being of students. Administrators play an important role in the implementation and sustainability of SMH services within a school. However, school principals' perspectives regarding their role in SMH implementation are underrepresented in…

Recruitment and retention of agriculture teachers is a major concern in the field of school-based agricultural education (SBAE). A major reason cited for this concern is perceived shortcomings in teacher compensation. To remedy this factor, Illinois implemented an extended contract grant program to provide agriculture teachers with additional…

In the United States, science education has experienced substantial shifts in the last decade. For in-service teachers, professional development programs (PDPs) play an important role in reform success. Despite well-known core features of effective PDPs, research still suggests a range of results among programs that claim to use those features. An…

Education researchers regularly seek to evaluate and define what encompasses successful professional development (PD) for teachers. Numerous items and lists that are considered the characteristics of "effective PD have emerged from this research." However, follow-up with teachers on their perceived views of these characteristics is…

In the context of the current climate emergency, governments are implementing important climate policies promoting zero waste, carbon neutrality, increased greening, and protection of biodiversity. While climate policies are created with the best of intentions, they obscure the lived experiences of front-line workers attempting to implement these…

Financial barriers to education such as the payment of school fees have long been identified as a key driver of the perennially high out-of-school rates in developing countries. Accordingly, Ghana implemented the education capitation grant (CG) policy in 2005 as part of efforts to universalise access to primary education. At its core, the policy…