Special education teacher preparation programs are charged with providing preservice teachers with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively implement reading interventions using evidence-based practices. Practicum experiences allow preservice teachers to practice implementing these teaching practices in authentic settings. Preservice…

The project-based learning (PBL) paradigm is one of the most valuable student-centered approaches. In the PBL framework, novices actively participate directly in teaching and learning processes and interact with erudition areas. The setting for this qualitative study is an inner-city Title One school located in Columbia, South Carolina. The eleven…

In a local school district, sixth- through eighth-grade students were reading and performing on reading tests below grade level, and teachers started using strategies to promote self-regulated learning (SRL) in their classrooms. However, students continued to struggle with reading comprehension when asked to read independently. The purpose of this…

Far too many students worldwide are trapped in a cycle of low performance. The problem addressed in this study was that many third-grade students struggle with achieving the reading comprehension skills needed to be successful academically. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore teachers' perceptions of integrating Istation…

Reading proficiency is a vital skill that holds implications for future student success. Teachers hold the key for opening the door to this reading success. However, changing teacher instructional behavior can prove challenging. Thankfully, the professional development method of microteaching incorporates effective adult learning components by…

This study explored the importance and teacher self-efficacy in presenting instruction of phonemic and phonological awareness. The problem addressed was many teachers lack the pedagogical content knowledge of phonemic and phonological awareness. The purpose of this collective case study was to examine the knowledge and self-efficacy of classroom…

The purpose of this study was to determine whether Animal Assisted Education (AAE) benefited English Learners (ELs) in the elementary classroom using qualitative methods of observation, interviews of students, parents, and teachers, and student work samples. Ten identified ELs, who were also identified as below grade level in reading, participated…

The problem investigated in this study was decreasing annual reading proficiency among students in intermediate elementary grades (Grades 3-5). Deficiencies in reading proficiency can negatively impact overall student achievement. The purpose of this study was to investigate intermediate elementary teachers' perceptions of their instructional…

Research suggests that elementary English Learners (ELs) benefit from interactive dual-language vocabulary instruction delivered one-on-one or in small groups. However, there are many barriers to providing this type of instruction to all ELs, including time constraints and bilingual teacher shortages. Thus, there is a high need for innovative,…

This study sought to better understand how schools were addressing U.S. state policies targeting summer reading interventions for students not meeting accountability standards. Survey data were gathered from 580 public and private elementary schools in one state (67% response rate) regarding the barriers to offering summer programs,…

Design features of American Sign Language (ASL)-English bilingual storybook apps on the tablet computers, based on learning research, are intended to facilitate independent and interactive learning of English print literacy and of ASL skill among young learners. In 2013, the Science of Learning Center on Visual Language and Visual Learning…

Children who speak with nonmainstream American English (NMAE) dialects represent a growing population in the U.S. public school system. This article provides recommendations for how teacher educators can support novice teachers in addressing the needs of NMAE speakers with or at risk for learning disabilities. This article focuses on four core…

One relatively low-cost mechanism to assist teachers serving many English learner (EL) students and struggling readers is to hire, train, and manage paraprofessionals to provide supplementary instruction to such students. This study evaluated a program in which one district provided instructional aides to all first-grade teachers in the…

Using data from a 2-year empirical project in an urban school within the United States, this article describes how educators of preschool, transitional-kindergarten and kindergarten (PreK-TK-K) altered perceptions and practices as a result of participating in a purposefully crafted professional learning community using collaborative enquiry.…

Students need strong literacy skills to succeed in core academic subjects--English, mathematics, science, and social studies--and to be prepared for college and careers. "Reading Apprenticeship"® is a professional development program that aims to help teachers improve their students' literacy skills. The program also aims to improve…