This article introduces a unique application, ClassDojo, that can be easily used in elementary classrooms, including physical education classes. Specifically, it describes the three features that are most relevant to class management, assessment, and communication in physical education. This application can enrich physical educators' repertoire of…

Parental involvement in their children's education has been investigated in various ways, mainly regarding governance, the support provided to the children at home, or relationships between teachers and parents. However, parents also might be supporters and/or resources for teaching practices, an aspect which has not been studied in depth. In…

As a special education teacher working with intensive needs children and their families, I have come to understand the importance of using "parent knowledge" alongside my professional knowledge to inform my pedagogy, enabling me to authentically and meaningfully program for students. In this article, I use my storied experiences with…

While new ideas and innovative programs and pedagogies are exciting, the simplest methods are often the most effective. In "Doing What Works", author Chris Weber outlines ten practical, common-sense practices proven to transform student learning and propel school success. Each chapter includes examples from real school leaders and…

This article describes how teaching deaf students to read has been challenging and contentious, yet, one crucial attribute to developing reading skills is early exposure to American Sign Language (ASL). ASL seemed to serve as a bridge to achieving English literacy and academic success partly because early use of ASL enables deaf students to…

Parents want to work with their children's teachers to help them succeed in school. "What Brain Research Says about Student Learning" provides parents and teachers the most recent findings in brain research and learning theory in a very approachable way. The reader will see how the child's brain develops, learns, remembers, and creates…

The author writes about taking on the role of Science Coordinator, changing expectations, and raising the profile of science in her school.

There is a lack of research and program development in the area of sexuality education for those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The prevalence of ASD is on the rise, and research demonstrates that individuals with ASD desire romantic and sexual relationships. It is important that programming targeting sexuality education for individuals with…

Research suggests that young children have a complex sense of informal mathematics, including an understanding of more and less, shape, and patterns (Ginsburg, Lee, & Boyd, 2008), and that attention to mathematics in early childhood ensures that children have a strong foundation for later learning. For children with identified disabilities,…

This is the closing paper in a "Scottish Educational Review" collection on "Making Space for Play in Scottish Education." The paper reflects on the key conclusions from the six papers and three notes that comprise the collection. It identifies a baker's dozen of priority actions for those concerned to enrich Scottish education…

This is the third special issue of "Primary Science," and it is one that offers primary school teachers an insight into an initiative that does wonders for primary science leadership, learning, and teaching -- the Primary Science Quality Mark (PSQM). In this article, Claire Burchell explains how the PSQM enabled her to make the…

The paper focuses on the influence of technology on communication between teachers and parents through electronic diaries. Theoretically, the paper is based on action-network theory and its understanding that non-human and human actors build a network of relationships. By using a qualitative research approach, including interviews with principals,…

This article describes a group of second and third graders who began the school year 83% below reading proficiency. On surveys given at the beginning of the year, parents/guardians stated reading was the biggest concern for their child, and students stated they enjoyed hands-on activities, especially during science. To increase comprehension and…

Every student deserves arts instruction for its own sake, as an essential ingredient to a well-rounded education. Yet arts education adds value for a whole host of other educational purposes: among them, enhanced writing and reading, ability to retain information, problem solving, and critical thinking. Interest in models of whole-school reform…

In the paper, Elliot Regenstein discusses how early childhood education (ECE) uses social and emotional learning (SEL). He believes K-12 schools should analyze how ECE incorporates SEL into their curriculum. In the best ECE programs, SEL is an integral part of the teaching strategy and an area in which performance is carefully measured. At the…