This study was designed to examine secondary teachers' use of evaluative language resources in their qualitative written feedback on student work and factors shaping the deployment of such resources. Drawing on appraisal theory as an analytic framework for the language of evaluation, the study analyzed 84 teachers' evaluative reports on their…

This report highlights some of the major findings from the 2018 NSSME+. Six major topical areas are addressed: (1) Teacher Background and Beliefs; (2) Science, Mathematics, and Computer Science Professional Development; (3) Science, Mathematics, and Computer Science Courses; (4) Instructional Decision Making, Objectives, and Activities; (5)…

Research indicates that teachers play a very important role in the academic achievement of students (Sanders & Rivers, 2002). One study states, "The quality of teaching has been shown to relate directly to students' ability to succeed in school, the workplace, and in life" (Koppich, 2008). Even though a low number of studies have found a small…

This dissertation examines the relationship between teacher educational background, teacher experience, and student achievement in preschool, kindergarten, and first grade. The first essay of this dissertation, "Effects of Teacher Degree Level, Coursework, and Certification on Student Achievement in Math and Reading in Kindergarten,"…

Research has shown that there is no greater influence on a student's success than the quality of his or her teacher. This book presents the research findings which demonstrate the connection between teacher effectiveness and student achievement. We've always known, at least intuitively, that teachers matter, but this book proves that teachers are…

From 2008 to 2010, project-based learning (PBL) was a major focus of the Teacher Leadership Institute (TLI), undertaken by the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE), as a method for teaching 21st century skills. Beginning in January 2011, a summative evaluation was conducted to investigate the effect of PBL implementation on teachers'…

A study to determine the relationship of a teacher's characteristics and experience to a learner's cognitive attainment of law-related content is discussed. Over 1,000 learners and 57 teachers who had participated in a Law in a Changing Society Workshop provided data for the study. The workshop provided participants with law-related materials and…

The results of this study suggest that student perceptions of teacher behavior can have an important influence on causal relationships in the classroom. (MM)

Reports research on the effects of factors such as teacher abilities and background on teaching proficiency. (Editor)

Observational and interview data from 12 teachers in 6 schools is used to examine academic work in high school history classes, with the goal of investigating how opportunity to learn differs for students across schools, teachers, and ability groups. Academic work is analyzed to determine the degree of challenge and accountability provided and the…

This study investigates the relationship between the academic background of teachers of advanced placement (AP) classes and the scores of their students on the nationally administered advance placement examinations. The effect of teacher characteristics on the exam scores was found to be significant. Classes which did poorly on the exams were more…

Contends that the biggest gains in student understanding of economic principles are made in formal economics courses. Reports on an analysis of data from three national tests of economic knowledge. Finds that a formal course or an extensive economics unit leads to larger gains in student achievement. (CFR)

A study of 243 beginning teachers in Ohio rural settings explored relationships between teachers' effectiveness ratings and two preservice factors--undergraduate college grade point average and rural, suburban, or urban high school backgrounds. A highly significant relationship existed between grade point average and teacher effectiveness but not…

Employs panel-data techniques, using data from the national norming of the Test of Economic Literacy, to measure instructor characteristics in effective teaching of high school economics. Measures the effect of prior training on economics instruction and school district characteristics. Suggests teachers as a key link in the educational process…

The past eight years have seen an unprecedented level of education policy activity focused on issues of teacher quality. Policies have been developed at federal, state, and institutional levels, and include increased institutional reporting of teacher candidates' test scores, the mandate for Highly Qualified Teachers (HQT) in the No Child Left…