The problem addressed through this study is the inconsistent use of mathematics educational technology tools in middle school mathematics courses in the United States. The problem was important to address because inconsistent use of mathematics educational technology tools may impact student performance. The purpose of this basic qualitative study…

Assessing learners with extensive support needs has traditionally been rooted in deficit perspectives, in which student incapacities are highlighted. We start this chapter with an overview of this historical view and identify its shortcomings. Next, we identify alternate assessment and progress monitoring as key efforts for shifting the lens from…

In this article, we provide a summary of a literature review conducted to determine how the published literature, including research articles, conceptual articles, and chapters, (a) describes access to the state-adopted grade-level standards in general education classes for students with extensive support needs (ESN) and (b) discusses recommended…

Balanced assessment systems provide feedback and support decision-making to improve instruction and learning. "Supporting Continuous Improvement Efforts Through Balanced Assessment Systems: Components, Integration, and High-Leverage Actions" outlines key features and components, integration of various assessment approaches, and guiding…

Higher education providers need to deliver graduates with the conceptual understanding required for professional life. Conceptual understanding entails a synthesis of relevant facts, theories and practices that influence occupational performance. To help align curricula with individual student differences, this study investigates differences in…

According to a new study by the American Council on Education (ACE), post-traditional learners are individuals with diverse life experiences, defining them as "individuals already in the workforce who lack a postsecondary credential, yet are determined to pursue further knowledge and skills while balancing work, life and education…

Following a massive wave of school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic, educators found the need to be hyper-critical of how they spend their instructional time with students. Almost all students are expected to return nearly a full grade-level behind and would likely have to learn to navigate a completely new school environment. As a result,…

Through-year assessment has entered the national educational dialogue as an alternative to the end-of-year summative assessment model. As state educational agencies (SEAs) weigh the advantages and disadvantages of embracing this emergent assessment system, it is important to consider the impact such a decision would have on local educational…

This guide summarizes proactive, efficient, empirically-supported, and data-driven systems for supporting educators' implementation of classroom PBIS practices. Specifically, this Guide to Classroom Systems and Data is a companion to the practices guide, "Supporting and Responding to Students' Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Needs:…

Vertical transfer from community college to a university offers a promising, although unrealized, pathway to diversify STEM disciplines. Studying how successful transfer-­receiving universities support STEM transfer students can offer insights into the institutional practices that promote transfer student retention and success. Using institutional…

Background: Positive behavioural interventions and supports (PBIS) is a framework that aligns with the South African Department of Education's Alternatives to Corporal Punishment. Aim: The aim of this study is to provide a snapshot of the extent to which policies and practices in a disadvantaged South African primary school align with PBIS.…

The purpose of this study was to gauge the degree to which selected NWEA MAP Growth assessments are aligned to the Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) and the extent to which MAP Growth reports can be used by school divisions to gauge student achievement relative to grade level and to identify learning gaps. The study was delimited to four MAP…

In their proposals to join the Math in Common (MiC) initiative, staff from each of the 10 participating districts acknowledged that the shifts required to implement the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics (CCSS-M) (NGA Center & CCSSO, 2010) would be a huge lift for teachers. They knew that mathematics teachers would be required to take…

By using principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) within online learning environments, teacher education faculty have an opportunity to break down barriers and create purposeful course content that will benefit all learners. The application of UDL helps teacher education faculty recruit learner interest, sustain learner efforts, and…

Literacy skills lay the foundation upon which every individual's education rests. When a learner receives the necessary tools to develop strong language and literacy skills, he or she becomes able to achieve personal autonomy and pursue aspirations. Ohio is committed to supporting an education system that prioritizes the language and literacy…