We conducted this systematic literature review to explore the current evidence base of instructional choice, a low-intensity, teacher-delivered strategy to support academic engagement and decrease challenging behaviors. Specifically, we focused on school-based settings, applying quality indicators (QIs) and evidence-based standards of the Council…

Physical activity is a crucial part of preventing or reducing childhood obesity, and may also yield important academic and social benefits. However, many children do not attain the level of daily physical activity recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Schools are uniquely positioned to provide students opportunities…

A study was conducted to provide descriptive information about the quantity of classroom time used for teaching reading and the interruptive events that occur during the scheduled reading time. Data were gathered from 148 public and private school teachers representing all grade levels and a wide range of teaching experience. The subjects each…

Although most efforts to improve academic learning time have been directed at classroom teachers, principals can also employ schoolwide procedures to improve time usage. This article presents 11 such strategies involving direction-setting, direct staff support, and structural alterations. Academic learning time should be a schoolwide goal linked…

Students' class participation can be increased by having each child display a response to each of the teacher's questions. Suggestions are given for evaluating and using pre-printed response cards and write-on response cards. Evidence for the effectiveness of response cards in increasing learning and on-task behavior is offered. (DB)

Results of a study indicated that poor readers did not differ from good readers in starting to work on assignments, having necessary materials, or engaging in disruptive behavior. However, poor readers were off task more and volunteered less than good readers. (IAH)

Suggestions for teachers who wish to increase academic learning time for learning-disabled students include: reducing transition time; shortening recess or free time; creating more teacher-led instructional groups; teaching more and testing less; increasing teacher questioning; increasing teacher enthusiasm; improving seatwork tasks; giving…

This booklet describes a foundation for effective classroom management and focuses on some of the basic processes involved in creating a cooperative atmosphere in the classroom. Four topics are considered: the beginning of the school year, selecting and arranging activities, monitoring and timing activities in the classroom, and stopping…

A study conducted on students' average time-on-task not only identified important findings and implications for preservice and inservice teacher training but also proved that a positive, productive atmosphere can be achieved between school district personnel and researchers throughout the study. (CJ)

Teachers can improve their teaching if their knowledge base about teaching increases. Eight research-based areas, relevant to effective teaching, are discussed: goals and objectives, planning, lesson presentation, student engagement, management, student activity, feedback, and teacher assessment. (IAH)

Research on teacher effectiveness has provided substantial evidence that certain teaching behaviors are more likely than others to promote student achievement. Described is an instructional design model that can help teachers plan for more effective teaching. Two sample social studies lessons based on the model are presented. (RM)

Data from observations of 129 elementary, 362 junior, and 525 high school classes were analyzed to raise questions about classroom environment and classroom practices. Results gathered from four instruments are discussed: (1) physical environment inventory, which recorded classroom architectural arrangement, seating and grouping patterns,…

This six-section manual provides information for preparing appropriate classroom narratives and their accompanying student engagement ratings. The manual's introduction emphasizes the importance of an accurate classroom narrative, which is a detailed record of events, time use, and behavior in the classroom. Also discussed is the recording of…

This synthesis of research in academic engagement addresses studies in several academic areas. A general relationship of teacher performance and student engagement in learning tasks is noted. Cites studies indicating a relationship between degree of engagement and achievement and suggests numerous research questions for science education…