Hub-centered improvement networks are emerging as an organizational form that has the potential to empower local educators, families, communities, and students to respond positively to ever-rising ambitions for educational access, quality, and equity in the United States. A problem, however, lies in a disconnect between (a) hub leaders as the…

The present paper proposes a theoretical model of institutional quality of a higher education institution (HEI) which, in addition to the internal dimensions of quality, incorporates also the external dimension, i.e. the outcomes dimension. This dimension has been neglected by the quality standards and models examined in our paper. Furthermore,…

This paper describes an innovative approach to retaining happy and healthy faculty members in a collegial, productive teaching and learning environment. A major portion of the paper shares how the Faculty Center for Teaching and Learning plays a significant role in the faculty interview process, new faculty orientation, and subsequent mentoring of…

This article argues that the "quality" debate in education research is not so much about quality as about creating the conditions in which research and knowledge production in the field of education can be managed and steered. The criticisms of research in education have destabilised the field and promoted its closer dependence on and…

Critics of education research in the recent years have pointed the finger at what they saw as its low quality, impact, and "value for money." In the context of the Research Assessment Exercise, particular concerns have been raised about applied and practice-based educational research and how best to assess its quality. This contribution…

Synthesizes current knowledge about teacher effects at the elementary school level and examines the findings in terms of their implications for early education. Emphasizes distinctive characteristics of early education and the need for the development of an early education research agenda. (PCB)

Focuses on the ways in which teaching and research have been made compatible in the Department of Geography at the University of Durham (England), such as achieving balance between research, teaching, and administration, the use of research groups, and taking a long-term view in reconciling the demands of research and teaching. (CMK)

Discusses the effects of group size, staff-child ratios, and staff training and qualifications on the quality of child care. (BB)

Explores the role of Teaching Quality Assessment (TQA) and the Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) in shaping management strategies in the School of Geography at Kingston University, Surrey (England), and the challenges presented in teaching and researching geography in that particular environment. (CMK)

The editors of this journal comment on an article by John Johnson and Frank Rusch (EC 606 176), which reported that few of the recommended "best practices" in transitional services are actually supported by empirical data. The editorial urges greater empirical investigation in the field of career development, especially research on "best…

Specific approaches are proposed to increase collaboration between researchers and practitioners to meet the growing research needs of the nation's schools and to assist in data-based decision-making efforts. A research-practice paradigm is described. (TJH)

Special education teachers (n=83) from five states were surveyed concerning difficulties in implementing various educational practices validated by researchers. Time constraints and administrative support were seen as major obstacles to implementation. The reported presence of quality indicators correlated with teacher skill and implementation…

Addresses the role of art education research, postulating that an adequate research base is needed in order to make constructive decisions pertaining to art education. Discusses research trends, sociopolitical nature of research, suggestions for further research, and deficiencies in art education. (GG)

This practical guide is one of a series aimed at assisting academics in higher education in researching specific aspects of their work. Focusing on small-scale insider research in colleges and universities, the handbook covers contemporary issues, research methods, and existing practice and values in the area of assessment and evaluation. Issues,…

This document provides papers presented at a conference that focused on the ways in which definitions of quality are translated into practice in early childhood education and on ways to assess the quality of practice. The conference included four keynote lectures, presentation of six papers, and four symposia. The lectures, which are not included…