Professional learning should be designed in a way that is responsive to the needs of teachers and intentionally planned with adult learning principles in mind. This article outlines one practitioner's professional journey to redefine how professional learning is designed with best practices in adult learning in mind. Strategies utilized during…

This pretest/posttest nonequivalent groups study explored the relationship between classroom-based creative writing instruction and the figurative language abilities of fourth grade students. Figurative language is widespread within the oral and written discourse of K-12 classrooms and is an essential component of higher-level language and…

Technology's rapid development is changing how educators plan lessons and incorporate these digital resources into classrooms with the expectation of impacting student academic performance. The problem is that teachers need professional development related to blended learning implementation to improve student achievement in elementary (An, 2021;…

In this dissertation, the researcher examined the effective implementation of Tier I strategies at One Team Central School District within the broader framework of Response to Intervention (RTI) and Multi-tiered System of Support (MTSS), addressing the urgent issue of Tier 1 instructional quality, particularly targeted at economically…

Background/Context: The U.S has experienced years of lost progress in math because of the COVID-19 pandemic (NAEP, n.d.a). Fraction understanding is widely characterized as the gatekeeper to algebra (Booth et al., 2012; National Mathematics Advisory Panel, 2008) and can support success in middle and high school math (Bailey et al., 2012; Booth et…

Analytical thinking skills were an essential learning process for primary students. The research objectives were to 1) study the current condition, problems, and good practices regarding teaching and learning. 2) develop a blended instructional model using the inquiry process with digital games to enhance analytical thinking skills for elementary…

To determine the effectiveness of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program--Education (SNAP-Ed) nutrition and physical activity programming in elementary schools, it is necessary to recruit socioeconomically similar comparison schools not receiving SNAP-Ed programming. We developed a flexible recruitment strategy to tailor our approach to each…

This qualitative, phenomenological research study explores the best practices that secondary Grades 6-12 educators employ when using microcontrollers in the classroom. Governmental and private organizations have investigated and promoted the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering, Math (STEM) and computer science in education (Code…

This action research study aimed to find ways to adjust my practice by incorporating inquiry-based, science activities and virtual simulations to improve student conceptual understanding of physical and chemical changes. A multi-lesson, curricular intervention combining inquiry-based activities and virtual simulations was developed using…

The purpose of this quantitative study was to gather information from elementary teachers who use best practices to examine the impact of self-efficacy and mindset. Data was gathered from elementary teachers who use best practices in mathematics instruction. This research examined if location type (rural, suburban, urban), years of experience…

In 2022, 8% of all 4th grade black or African American students in Wisconsin scored proficient or advanced in reading on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP, 2023). As disparities in achievement are perpetuated across the state of Wisconsin as well as the nation, it is becoming increasingly important for elementary principals to…

This qualitative semi-structured interview study investigated how the opportunity to learn with productive struggle emerges in a teacher's beliefs, anticipation, planning, teaching, and response to struggle in learning mathematics. In this study, the experiences of student struggle in the teaching and learning of fractions was investigated through…

The present qualitative case study examined the perceived effects of gifted teachers' perceptions on gifted students' engagement in the general education classroom. The study focused on how these perceptions affected how gifted teachers present academics to gifted students, particularly those not engaged in the lessons proposed by the teacher. The…

For decades, stark disparities in academic achievement have existed between racially, ethnically, and linguistically diverse students and White students. These discrepancies have resulted in significantly less of these marginalized students enrolling in higher level science courses and, subsequently, pursuing careers in science fields. While these…

The purpose of this qualitative participatory action research study was to initiate modifications in the practices of school social workers by collecting their perspectives on effective interventions for families of youth bullies and victims. The study also aimed to gather best practices for working with families of youth who experience bullying.…