Federal Head Start Program Performance Standards (HSPPS) were revised in 2016 to strengthen and improve the quality of all Head Start (HS) programs. The problem addressed in this basic qualitative study is that teachers in a local urban HS program in the southwestern region of Virginia have decreased levels of job satisfaction and cannot support…

Teachers have had to use standards to teach with since the 1980's. The CCRS has made a significant shift in how standards are written and the expectations of students in learning them. With the three-dimensional design, teachers are required to change their pedagogy in order to implement the standards with fidelity. That requires training,…

This study explored K-12 teachers' understanding and implementation of the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) during and after participation in a professional development (PD) program that included the development of science teachers' conceptual understanding of science. We add to the literature with our focus on a multi-year PD program…

Although there are federal regulations requiring gifted education, the implementation and fidelity with which these programs are implemented are varied and often incomplete. This study explored the impact grading systems have on the implementation of gifted programming standards by comparing teacher perception data between schools with traditional…

Purpose and Method of Study: The purpose of this action research school-wide case study was to compare the different perceptions of stakeholders at Wesleyan Christian School (WCS) regarding a safe school climate. A needs assessment was conducted surveying the different stakeholders to assess the changes and improvements needed. The primary factor…

The problem this research study investigated was the readiness of the selected district's administrators, instructional coaches, and teachers in implementing a standards-based grading (SBG) initiative. The purpose of this mixed methods study was to determine the district's elementary administration, instructional coaches, and teachers' perceptions…

This exploratory sequential mixed methods study aimed to understand teachers' perceptions of the impact of Social Emotional Learning (SEL) on school climate and student engagement, which is an area of study lacking in current literature. The research questions which guided the study were: What are teachers' perceptions of the connection between a…

Grading practices have been around for years. Yet, grading is still a never-ending debate. One cause of this debate is the use of traditional grading. Although there is a need for change in traditional grading practices, one understands the deeply rooted traditions behind traditional grading. Grading is subjective based on each individual…

Mathematical proficiency during the early years is directly linked to later success in life, both regarding academics and economics. First grade educators must have the knowledge and skills to integrate the West Virginia Mathematical Habits of Mind (WV MHM) into their existing classroom instructional practices to help establish strong foundations…

Purpose: As the federal government has retreated from taking a dominant role in encouraging implementation of common K-12 standards, states and districts have moved to fill this education policy vacuum. This study aims to understand how state and district leaders are navigating this new policy environment. Research Methods/Approach: Drawing upon…

Purpose: As the federal government has retreated from taking a dominant role in encouraging implementation of common K-12 standards, states and districts have moved to fill this education policy vacuum. This study aims to understand how state and district leaders are navigating this new policy environment. Research Methods/Approach: Drawing upon…

Senate Report 117-39 and House Report 117-118 include provisions for Government Accountability Office (GAO) to assess professional learning at the Department of Defense Education Activity (DODEA) schools. This report describes: DODEA's professional learning approach, results of DODEA teacher surveys, and how DODEA has addressed barriers teachers…

Throughout history, educators at all levels and stages of the educational process have researched and questioned which grading and assessment practices are the most effective and efficient. Research supports the idea that standards-based grading is an effective grading practice that provides a true picture of what students know while motivating…

Rural students often face challenges in receiving high-quality education in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Yet without meaningful STEM educational opportunities, rural students might not develop the knowledge and skills needed to compete in a technology-driven workforce. The Learning by Making program (LbyM), an innovative…

While many in the field of teaching grapple with the revisions that come with a growing decentralization of standards-based reform, teacher learning and understanding of college- and career-readiness (CCR) standards and revisions is critical to successful implementation. Even when fully supported and focused on implementing standards in the…