This systematic review and meta-analysis appraised and synthesized mathematics interventions research addressing rational number concepts for students with mathematics difficulties (MD) in Grades 3-9. Included studies (n = 28) meet the What Works Clearinghouse Group Design standards (Version 4.0) for study quality. Across all studies, we found…

This Practice Guide is the first in a series of the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) guides in education that are developed by a panel of experts. The guides are intended to bring the best available evidence and expertise to bear on the types of systemic challenges that cannot currently be addressed by single intervention or programs. This…

This review of research considers how best to teach English-language learners. A realistic appraisal of the empirical database indicates that research findings have failed to provide answers to questions about the importance of native language instruction and the best age and best methods for introducing academic instruction in English. The review…

Validation of a classroom observation measure for use with English Learners (ELs) in grade 1 was the focus of this study. Fourteen teachers were observed during reading and language arts instruction with an instrument used to generate ratings of instructional quality on a number of dimensions. In these classrooms we assessed the reading…

A study assessed and compared the effectiveness of two distinct approaches of bilingual education used within a single school district in El Paso (Texas). The program designs, one a traditional transitional bilingual and the other a bilingual immersion, were implemented under similar conditions of resources, school year length, class size, and…

This study examined literacy instruction in 14 first-grade classrooms of English learners (ELS) in three schools in a large urban school district in southern California over a two-year period. Pre- and posttest measures of oral-reading fluency for 186 first graders, representing 11 native languages, were the outcome data. Reading-fluency data were…

Validation of a classroom observation measure for use with English Learners (ELs) in Grade 1 is the focus of this study. Fourteen teachers were observed during reading and language arts instruction with an instrument used to generate overall ratings of instructional quality on a number of dimensions. In these classrooms, the reading performance of…

A multivocal synthesis involving 13 educators and researchers investigated effective instruction for English-language learners and found five specific instructional variables, including: building and using vocabulary as a curricula anchor, using visuals to reinforce concepts, implementing cooperative learning and peer-tutoring strategies, using…

Reviews the results of a 1991 U.S. Department of Education report entitled "A Descriptive Study of Significant Features of Exemplary Special Alternative Instructional Programs." The features of nine exemplary special alternative instructional programs are described that appeared to contribute to positive outcomes for students from diverse…

This article discusses instructional strategies likely to be effective with culturally and linguistically diverse students regardless of placement. It addresses assessment and misclassification; overreferral or underreferral; differing approaches to second language instruction; and the importance of transfer between languages, opportunities for…

The current state of the knowledge base on the effectiveness of specific instructional practices for English-language learners was examined by conducting an exploratory meta-analysis on eight studies of instructional interventions and using qualitative synthesis to supplement this analysis. The first data source was the eight intervention studies…

This guide provides practical information for teachers and others working with students who have learning difficulties (such as learning or language disabilities) and for whom English is a second language. Emphasis is on productive instructional strategies and approaches. The book is based on results of focus groups comprised of practicing…

Describes a longitudinal evaluation of two approaches to educating language-minority students--transitional bilingual education and a new approach, bilingual immersion. Students achievement on the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills was traced from grades four through seven, and results indicated significant effects favoring bilingual immersion in language…

A qualitative study examined instruction provided by four monolingual English-speaking teachers to English-language learners in grades 4 through 6. Focused on unresolved tension between teachers' sense that they should provide opportunities for students to express ideas and their desire for fast-paced lessons and correct usage. Explored teachers'…

Examined the teaching of two Latina/o elementary school teachers and identified issues with the potential for improving the literacy instruction of Latina/o students. Findings indicate that infusion results in a balanced approach to literacy learning, that more extensive reform increases teacher rapport with students, and that teachers' identities…