In this brief, we use a nationally representative sample of ever-English learners (ELs; N = 783) to examine relations between EL concentration within classrooms and reading growth between kindergarten and Grade 5. Piecewise growth models were used to estimate relations for four developmental periods (K-1, Grades 1-2, Grades 2-3, and Grades 3-5).…

This study explores preschool teachers' considerations when organising children into subgroups in Swedish preschools. Grounded on interactionist perspectives and Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory, the study hypothesises that preschool teachers' practice of organising children into subgroups is embedded in and shaped through dynamic…

Supporting student interest in science is critical for broadening participation in the field because interest, even more than achievement, is associated with pursuing future science education and careers. In this study, we explore the conjecture that equitable classroom cultures can support interest in science. Specifically, we examine the idea…

In this brief, we use a national representative sample of ever-English learners (N = 783) to examine relations between English learner concentration within classrooms and reading growth between Kindergarten and Grade 5. Piecewise growth models were used to estimate relations for four developmental periods (K-1, Grade 1-2, Grade 2-3, and Grade…

Peer interaction offers critical learning opportunities for preschool students, yet exposure to peers of different skill levels varies within and across classrooms. We explore two ways peers may affect learning: differences in who children play with in a classroom and differences in student composition across classrooms. We find that playing with…

Little is known about the quality of the special educators who move schools, switch to general education, or leave teaching. In this study, the author examined if turnover (moving schools within a district, moving schools between districts, switching to general education, or leaving teaching in the state) was associated with two common indicators…

Considerable interest is directed to promoting children's success as they transition to kindergarten. It is generally proposed that children who experience lower levels of transition difficulties at kindergarten entry achieve higher academic and social-emotional gains, although this premise has seldom been explicitly evaluated in tandem with…

The purpose of this qualitative case study was to describe the strategies teachers chose to successfully differentiate for high achieving upper elementary mathematics students. The context of the study was mixed ability classes in international schools. The study used Vygotsky's sociocultural learning theory as a theoretical framework to…

The quality of teacher-student relationships (TSRs) has been shown to predict various academic and social, emotional, and behavioral outcomes for adolescent students and is also one of the most important aspects of teacher wellbeing. Therefore, measures of TSRs are essential for schools as they provide insight into the quality of these…

Systematized, observational approaches to measuring teaching quality are an important tool in research and practice. Termed observation systems, these approaches include a rubric that operationalizes a set of teaching quality constructs and structures to support rater training and monitoring. Scores from observation systems, through their…

The assumption that multi-grade learning enhances and sustains positive self-concept is widespread, although neither theory nor empirics have yet allowed for firm conclusions. This paper reports on a representative longitudinal study of multi-grade learning in grades 3 and 4 comparing the development of students' self-concept in reading in…

With today's strong focus on communicative competence in second language (L2) classrooms, speech acts like suggestions, requests, refusals, and apologies are often investigated in interlanguage pragmatic (ILP) as well as instructional pragmatics. Even though there is strong evidence in ILP research that purports that L2 learners respond well to…

This case study examined the characteristics of classroom discourse during physics lessons in two single-sex high school classes--a boys' vs. a girls' class. All lessons were taught by the same teacher and covered the same topics. For each class, six lessons were recorded, transcribed, and coded and the characteristics of the discussion were…

The formation of chemistry identities among students is closely linked to the norms and practices prevalent in their chemistry learning environments. However, these norms may not be equally accessible or aligned with formal assessment criteria, leading to disparities for students in cultivating a positive chemistry identity. This study…

Understanding preservice teachers' (PSTs) classroom preferences offers the potential to inform school hiring and reduce early career turnover. This large-scale qualitative study (n = 2,798) explores rich PST responses to the open-ended survey item: "Describe a classroom setting in which you would enjoy teaching." Results indicate three…