Conceptions about the role of evaluation are crucial in what educators believe and do in assessing student learning; these conceptions influence their practices and should be consistent with the jurisdictional and political frameworks in which they work. While a great deal has been done regarding experienced teachers' conceptions about evaluation,…

This paper presents findings from a two-year qualitative case study of a new, break-the-mold public elementary school. This school focused on reforming traditional models of instruction with student-centered learning in order to engage and better address the needs of all students. Using a constructivist perspective to understand the dynamics of…

Background: Activist approaches engage learners in order to create spaces in which youth will actively participate in their education and feel responsible for their own and others' learning [Cochran-Smith, M., and S.L. Lytle. 2009. "Teacher research as stance". In "The sage handbook of educational action research," edited by…

As a profession, we must have a shift in both perspective and practice to transform teaching at all levels. Are pre-service education classrooms preparing students to be flexible, adapt to new situations, and rely on their own expertise and understanding while seeking support when needed? Lieberman and Miller (2004) identify the following shifts…

In light of the demand to make race a central part of our teaching and to incorporate the study and discussion of race into our systems of education, this paper examines the origins of race-based curriculum found in institutions of higher learning that influence social studies teaching in the public schools. More specifically, this research…