University-community partnerships have gained popularity in the United States as a means of extending university research resources and collaborative opportunities. However, research-driven partnerships between universities and K-12 school districts that prioritize the research needs of K-12 schools are unique. Recently, education scholars have…

This study critically analyzed the current body of published research on microblogging in education (MIE) to build a deep and comprehensive understanding of this increasingly popular phenomenon. Twenty-one studies on MIE in 2008-2011 were selected based on the selection criteria and analyzed to answer the following questions: What types of…

In 1989, the Federal Interagency Committee on Education (FICE) developed an agenda for research on rural education that included 6 priority topics containing 44 areas of research and development. In an effort to validate, update, and expand the contents of that agenda, a three-round modified Delphi study was carried out with 29 members of the…

In response to a previous article, the paper discusses the distinction between basic and applied research, two contributions of applied research to theory concerning learning disabilities, and issues in metatheory development. (DB)

In response to a previous article, the paper suggests that solutions to current problems in learning disabilities are not directly dependent upon, and may not be affected by, basic research. The necessity of a coordinated theoretical foundation for research and the wisdom and feasibility of a movement to basic research are discussed. (DB)

The OERI-funded research summarized in this special "Kappan" section constitutes a "trickle-up" research agenda animated by real respect for local autonomy and unwavering commitment to public service. The most valuable research will emerge from a collaborative culture uniting university-based researchers, K-12 practitioners and…

This handbook on conducting research was written for school social workers and contains these articles: (1) "The School Social Work Practitioner and Research: An Overview" (Elizabeth Timberlake and Lewis Carr); (2) "Defining Empirically Based Practice" (Deborah Siegel); (3) "Future Research in School Social Work Services: An Update" (Christine…

In response to a previous article, the paper characterizes learning disabilities as the consequence of a transaction between students exhibiting certain individual differences and the social system of the schools. Basic and applied research can be related in good instructional research which includes the context of disability. (DB)

In response to a previous article, the paper notes additional reasons for the deficit in basic research and theory in learning disabilities, stresses the need for more good systematic research using multiple methods, and suggests that a metatheory for learning disabilities is not yet possible or profitable. (DB)

This article looks at the role of metacognition in various current theoretical conceptions of giftedness and reviews studies linking metacognition to giftedness. It is concluded that theoretical and research support exists for the importance of metacognition in giftedness but that major unresolved issues still persist and should be investigated.…

Costs have long been an important consideration in educational programming. Only recently, however, have systematic cost analysis methodologies been applied in educational evaluation. This report identifies and documents the application of cost methodologies within evaluation and service projects conducted by Northwest Regional Educational…

In response to a previous article, the paper stresses that, in addition to theory development, the field of learning disabilities needs to resolve definitional issues involving disability specificity, intelligence, measurement concepts, and the continua of abilities. Suggestions for developing operational definitions of both learning disabilities…

Careful work in comparing, analyzing, and critiquing the positions and communications put forth by various professional curriculum organizations would be valuable to the curriculum research community. Provides an example: "Principles for Australian Curriculum Reform," prepared by the Australian Curriculum Studies Association (ACSA). (MLF)

The article addresses what is regarded as unjustifiably pessimistic characterizations of memory strategy instructional research, and argues that solid laboratory research on strategy use is needed though much memory instructional research with direct classroom applications to learning-disabled students has been completed. (Author/DB)

In response to a previous article, the paper argues that effective instruction of the learning disabled is most likely to develop from systematic theoretically based research though instructional studies can contribute to theory development. Research in many other areas is necessary to develop the powerful teaching methods required. (DB)