As veteran educational researchers in case study and action research methods, we engaged in a design-based research project as an innovative approach for dealing with the complex practice of integrating science and literacy within elementary classrooms. We choose design-based research as both a theoretical "and" research framework as our…

This study investigates the use of inquiry learning (IL) approach for intellectually disabled (ID) students. It draws on findings from the trial lessons of 6 classes of ID students in a project developing an adapted General Studies Curriculum for ID students at primary level. Data analysis focuses on examining how IL was employed for ID students.…

In the age of standardized testing, science and social studies are not given the same priority as mathematics and reading in the curriculum of United States schools. High stakes testing is viewed as having heavily biased schools toward teaching tested subjects and away from less frequently tested subjects. This paper is premised on the notion that…

This study was conducted in a large urban school district. Fifty-nine elementary schools, designated as Fine Arts Schools by the district, were organized as a Fine Arts School Network. The school district partnered with an external arts organization to deliver research-based, consistent and collaborative professional development to art, music,…

Implementing project-based curricula requires simultaneous changes in curriculum, instruction, and assessment practices. Four design principles appear to be important: defining learning-appropriate goals, providing scaffolds, ensuring multiple opportunities for formative self-assessment, and developing social structures. Findings indicate positive…

Online assessments afford many advantages for teachers and students. Okolo (2006) stated, "As the power, sophistication, and availability of technology have increased in the classroom, online assessments have become a viable tool for providing the type of frequent and dynamic assessment information that educators need to guide instructional…

This study examined effects of three increasing levels of curriculum compacting on the instructional practices of 470 elementary school teachers with gifted students in regular classes. Teachers were able to eliminate between 24% and 70% of the curriculum across content areas for more capable students but required assistance in designing…

The philosophy, major constraints, and strategy for curriculum development and implementation of a K-12 environmental education program are reviewed in this draft. Its purpose is to draw together some basic ideas and pertinent questions from leading educators, the literature, and successful environmental education programs, in an effort to provide…

If discussion of English primary curriculum is ever to develop from its present impressionistic state, it needs to develop a greater concern with the detail of organization and interaction, with the day-to-day commonplace of teaching, and with the conceptual models held by typical teachers. (CS)

The design, selection, and organization of instructional materials that integrate calculators are described in relation to a model based on movement and representational level. Instructional resources and advantages of the model are described. (MNS)

Discusses the role of decoding in the framework of reading research and current instructional issues. Emphasizes the importance of decoding as part of the reading and language arts curriculum. Provides instructional implications. Suggests that, although many children learn to read without difficulty using literature-based approaches, many children…

Considers the role of the Great Lessons--formation of the universe, evolution of life, evolution of humans, and discovery of language and mathematics--in the Montessori elementary curriculum. Discusses how the Great Lessons guide and organize the curriculum, as well as the timing of the lessons across the 6-12 age span. (JPB)

The objective of this analysis on use of time in the classroom was to show whether or not students who spend more time in a particular content area also show higher achievement in that content area; the qualified conclusion is that more time yields more learning. (JD)

Analyzes information from teacher logs and interviews to describe what is taught in elementary school mathematics classes and to identify instructional weaknesses. Makes recommendations for curriculum reform. (FMW)