This case study explores the implementation of personalized learning at an elementary school in Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District 35. The study, conducted by Research for Action and funded by KnowledgeWorks, sheds light on the shift towards personalized, competency-based learning practices within the district. Through qualitative sources…

Purpose: The Santa Ana Unified School District received an i3 grant (Investing in Innovation; funded by the U.S. Department of Education Grant number U411C160074) to build on their existing school climate practices. Called the Enhanced Positive School Climate Model, the aim is to improve school climate, student-adult relationships, create social…

Studies of individual environmental education (EE) field trip programs have found that pre-visit preparation and post-visit follow-up activities can enhance desired student outcomes. We examined these relationships across a broad sample of single-day EE field trip programs for adolescent youth (grades 5-8) across the United States. We measured…

Many teachers have discovered the value of using newspapers in their classrooms. Suggests a number of specific, fun activities using this motivating and inexpensive resource. (Editor/RK)

Discussed a curriculum guide through which school children can develop their sensitivity and independence. (Editor/RK)

Article described a program with the goal of developing a creative music curriculum that would interest and challenge sixth-graders. Students were motivated to write the lyrics and music for their own songs. (Author/RK)

Considers E. Paul Torrance's research on the fourth grade slump in school motivation and self concept and its implications for education. (Author/RK)

Describes a three-pronged program on teaching human relations in the classroom. (Author/RK)

While most school systems have programs for gifted and special-education students, little attention is paid to the many students in between. Because the majority of students do not receive the special attention offered at the extremes of education, there is a danger that their needs are not being met. Most in the educational community agree that…

This document provides the direction for the development of middle grades (5-8) programs in all Vermont schools. A mission statement identifies the means through which the purpose of young-adolescent education can be achieved. Goals for students and a scenario depicting a responsive middle school follow. The next section outlines the conceptual…