We consider what is known about the potential internal processes involved when educators come to use research findings in their classroom practice. We undertook a conceptual review drawing on a range of disciplines, with findings ultimately categorised under six phases regarding research uptake and implementation. This categorisation provides a…

Teachers' self-efficacy beliefs and research behaviors are critical to both professional development and the quality of instruction. Thus, teachers are expected to accept and apply the research findings generated by educational researchers to solve a classroom, student, or instructional issue. This article aimed to determine teachers'…

This introductory paper reviews the literature on the use of evidence-based knowledge (EBK) in the initial and continuing professional development of teachers and also in their everyday practice. It will set the scene for the theme of the SI and critically discuss general current issues about the generation of educational research evidence, how…

In this brief article, Cristine Smith discusses the development and use of professional development activities at the national, state and local program level. Professional development systems and funding exist in every state, and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) has prioritized high-quality professional development for…

The purpose of this mixed methods study was to investigate variables that impede the utilization of research findings in, or the transfer of learning from professional development workshops into, classroom best practices. Participants comprised 202 Georgia Master Teachers who attended Leadership Institutes. Participants were taught strategies for…

Most school-university partnerships have consisted of pre-service teacher education partnerships, by which colleges of teacher education team up with schools to train future teachers. Proponents of these partnerships claim that they have the ability to transform education through networks of teachers and faculty who are passionate about…

For decades there has been a divide between educational research and practice. Sometimes the blame is placed on teachers for not following research-based strategies or not being trained well enough to read the literature. Just as frequently the blame is placed on researchers for not (a) studying topics important to teachers, (b) writing them so…

Staff development is crucial in educational reform. The Readings in Educational Research (RER) project emerged out of a need for teacher-researcher communication, providing packets of original research reports in areas of interest to teachers. Teacher study groups using RER indicated they found RER a very positive experience. (SM)

This article describes a model of inservice training for regular and special educators (K-4th grade), with a focus on updating teachers on recent research developments in preventing and treating reading and writing disabilities and translating this knowledge into classroom practice. The effectiveness of the model is discussed. (Author/CR)

Rather than informing the teaching community about good research, five experienced teachers and three university researchers developed a discourse community around vocabulary learning to reflect on practice, engage in shared critiques, and support professional choices. In doing so, they were able to inform the research community about good…

Applying literacy research in the classroom begins with understanding the meaning of scientifically based research and other "lab" terms. From the terminology through key questions to ask yourself when reading research reports, learn how to scrutinize studies to determine their validity--and how applicable they are for your school or district.…

Discusses the value of institutional reading groups as vehicles for engaging faculty in the body of higher education literature and encouraging the use of research in decision making. Suggests these groups are an effective and efficient strategy for assimilating large amounts of complex information, fostering new knowledge, and sparking campus-…

A three-step framework to help teachers examine and modify teaching practice based on data analysis includes: specify current levels of student performance, create action plans, and evaluate and communicate progress. A case study of a teacher who used the framework to pinpoint one student's writing problems, create change in practice, and assess…

Describes how one school improved after a new principal put data-based decision making (via a detailed needs assessment) at the heart of school reform and staff development efforts, discussing the school's evolution. The paper examines key factors that support the effective use of data in schools: focus to answer questions, reflection to provide…

This publication summarizes two surveys of teachers and researchers in Scotland on different aspects of staff development. In the first survey, teachers were asked what types of support they valued at times of change in the curriculum. A total of 165 questionnaires were returned by principal teachers from 45 of the 51 schools targeted by the first…