This report describes a comprehensive knowledge synthesis of professional learning communities (PLCs) and their impact on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) teaching and learning in K-12 education. This report is organized around the following sections: Background, Overview of Key Findings, Methodology, Results, and…

The purpose of this descriptive study was be to determine if there were differences in the implementation of professional learning communities components between elementary and secondary teachers and administrators. This study examined the relationship between demographic characteristics and teacher implementation of professional learning…

This study explored 78 elementary school principals' perceptions of classroom mathematics instruction in an effort to build understanding of the professional vision (Goodwin, 1994) of elementary school principals as it relates to mathematics instruction. This study also tested the theory of Leadership Content Knowledge (Stein & Nelson, 2003)…

Teachers' professional development is not exclusively concerned with supporting teaching and knowledge. Support is required for teachers to reflect on their existing practice and adapt new knowledge and beliefs to their own teaching milieu. Therefore, design policies that support teachers are very vital for professional development. Knowledge on…

Classroom integration of technology is a complex process that must include thought to the purpose of integration and a plan for the professional development of the teachers. The change in any instructional practice requires an effective professional development plan that best addresses the needs of the teachers. This study investigated the level…

The purpose of this study was to explore the professional learning process that teachers reported enhanced their use of technology in their classrooms. The framework for this qualitative, theory-building study was guided by research from the field of adult learning. Data were obtained from interviews of six teachers who worked in an urban science…

This issue of "Learning Times" includes a feature on understanding dyslexia. Dyslexia is a brain-based, often inherited, disorder that impairs a person's ability to read. It is not the result of low intelligence, lack of motivation, sensory impairment, or inadequate instruction. Early diagnosis of dyslexia is critical, and a child can be…

The purpose of the study was to discover if there exists a statistically significant difference in DSTP student writing scores from spring 2007 third grade to spring 2007 fifth grade student writing scores for students of Delaware Writing Project (DWP) Partnership teachers and students in classrooms with teachers not participating in the DWP…

"Reading Apprenticeship"[R] is an instructional approach that intends to help middle school, high school, and community college students develop skills and knowledge to improve their engagement, fluency, and comprehension of content-area materials and texts. To achieve these goals, "Reading Apprenticeship"[R] provides a range…

The primary purpose of this study was to explore how the No Child Left Behind Act has impacted the traditional responsibilities of high school counselors. Furthermore, if there have been changes in school counselor roles, how are school counselors managing the impact? The study findings also investigated school counselor professional development…

Having a quality relationship with school administrators is important to novice teachers. Principal support influences teachers' job satisfaction and decisions to remain in teaching. Although special education teachers can benefit from general administrative support, they also may require additional supports that address the unique obstacles they…

E-mentoring--the use of technology-based communication formats in which mentors and mentees interact--is emerging as a solution for supporting novice teachers, especially when they have limited access to in-building support. This Brief describes the possibilities of using e-mentoring with novice special education teachers.

Disability support personnel within Australia include those who provide direct and daily care to people with intellectual disability (ID), largely in residential and day service contexts. Their roles and responsibilities are many, calling on far ranging skills. Yet, they come to these roles with levels of education that range from incomplete high…

Differentiated instruction should be evident in every classroom; however, it is particularly critical in Professional Development Schools (PDS) that have the dual focus of instruction for both Pre-K-12 students and university students completing their final internship experience. In this article, the author illustrates a university and school…

This article reports on the development and implementation of a Career and Technical Education (CTE) Program in a county jail system in New York State. The program is funded through the Carl D. Perkins Career & Technical Education Act, which reserves a pocket of funds for individuals in county correctional institutions. This program integrated…