Background: Condensed courses, as opposed to semester-long courses, are an increasingly popular strategy to improve equity in higher education. With condensed courses, students focus on a smaller number of courses during seven- to ten-week terms (Gullatt, 2006; Zepeda & Mayers, 2006). Historically marginalized students may benefit because the…

Many states have adopted the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), which emphasize "deeper learning" skills, such as mastery of core academic content, critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration. But can the new tests being developed to align with the CCSS be used to promote deeper learning and high-quality classroom instruction?…

The Hewlett Foundation commissioned RAND to review research about the effects of assessment and to summarize what is known about assessment as a lever for reform. To explore the likely influence of new assessments on teaching practice and the conditions that moderate that relationship, researchers conducted a series of literature reviews. The…

Discusses four essential criteria to assure the development and use of appropriate instructional evaluation systems in mathematics teaching: (1) make mathematics a priority concern, (2) consider teachers' beliefs and dispositions, (3) use multiple data sources, and (4) make effective use of time. (MKR)

Attitudes toward homework are explored through a review of research and interviews. The interviews were conducted with teachers, students, principals, and parents on the pros and cons of homework assignments. Included in the discussions were the kinds of homework assigned, reasons for the assignments, time spent on homework, and the effects of…

Two groups of early childhood special educators (N=325) were surveyed with regard to perceived levels of stress in relation to 25 selected environmental characteristics and events. Highest stress levels were associated with salary and benefits, time management, family support, multiple responsibilities, interagency support, and attitudes toward…

This publication is intended to help superintendents and principals, as well as district leaders, cope with roadblocks in their efforts to sustain promising efforts. These may include lack of staff buy-in into the reform strategy, enthusiastic staff without the needed skills to implement; lack of time or the necessary resources. These and other…

This manual, designed to assist the beginning elementary school teacher in New York City, focuses on practical day-to-day matters such as discipline, class management, clerical procedures, lesson planning, and the act of teaching. Advice is given on: (1) school organization and routines; (2) schedules and activities for the first days; (3) student…

Presents findings of an analysis of job stress among secondary school teachers in Malta. Reports that one-third of 545 respondents rated teaching as stressful or very stressful. Identifies pupil misbehavior, poor working conditions, poor staff relations, and time pressures as leading contributors to stress. Examines the influence of demographic…

This paper presents a study that examined the "encounter" stage (adaptation to the new role) of a faculty member who is promoted to Department Chair. The quantitative study consisted of a national survey of 808 Department Chairs from 101 universities categorized as Research I and II and Doctorate granting I and II by the Carnegie Council.…

A study examined attitudes of 95 women biomedical researchers in dual-career relationships toward mobility for enhancing occupational advancement. The women and spouses were surveyed concerning use of time, income, job satisfaction, willingness to move, and general career and marital satisfaction. Results indicate changes in gender effects on…

Reviews studies on occupational stress among teachers in British schools. Considers the prevalence of self-reported occupational stress, sources of stress, symptoms and effects, and coping actions. Argues that, in view of changes in education, further research is needed to provide updated information on which to base an understanding of teacher…

This booklet, one of a series prepared by the New York City teacher specialists at Teacher Center Sites, describes a strategy for helping teachers to understand and deal with the sources of stress. The emphasis of this strategy is on identifying sources of stress, and organizing ways of effectively managing and preventing stress by increasing…

In the spring of 1983, an evaluation of the junior and senior high guidance programs in the Mesa Public Schools was conducted. Surveys were developed to solicit opinions from parents, teachers, counselors, administrators, career specialists, and students as to how counselors actually spend their time versus how they should spend their time.…

Ten teachers write about time-related frustrations growing out of school reform efforts, noting how problems were or were not resolved. There are specific examples of what it is like to experience school reform and how reform affects teachers' already full days. These cases are preceded by contextual descriptions. Each case study includes one or…