School-effectiveness research (SER) has been criticized for being a socially and politically decontextualized body of literature that supports inequitable reforms. Critics rightly address several problems within the SER field: overclaiming (that furthers the Right's political/social agenda), continued undertheorizing, and inability to control…

A retired teacher and administrator advocates charter schools, but feels a solid research base is needed before rushing into them. Many charter school founders don't know what it takes to run the business aspect of schools, and Alaska's legislation has no oversight or accountability provisions. Charter schools need seasoned leadership,…

Makes the case for analysis, reflection, and debate about doctoral education in composition and rhetoric at this historical moment. Maintains that the number of established graduate programs in composition and rhetoric calls for a pause for critical reflection. (TB)

Explores how internship learning differs from classroom learning, using a theoretical framework of legitimate peripheral participation and a sample of 36 students enrolled in a Connecticut administrator-preparation program. Both mentors and interns felt the internship was an invaluable, "real" experience. Five themes emerged:…

A longitudinal investigation of the ways policymakers and practitioners in California, Michigan, and South Carolina view curricular reform in elementary mathematics and literacy instruction shows the complexities involved in "updating" teachers' professional development. Curriculum standards and frameworks are no substitute for the…

Describes the development of a graduate education technology course at the University of Massachusetts based on a service-learning model in which the goal was to apply academic theory to the practical requirements of a resource-strapped school district by assigning advanced graduate students to address educational technology needs. (Author/LRW)

Adventure educators have a role in bridging the gap between ecophilosophy (the philosophy of humanity's relationship with nature) and its application to everyday work. Summarizes three reasons for the philosophy-practitioner gap, suggests a framework for bridging the gap, and describes educational strategies by which adventure programming can…

Studies the ways in which three graduate students applied theoretical and pedagogical tools in a collaborative independent study course. Concludes that the students' use of research tools was more consistent with the teacher's understanding of profitable uses than was their appropriation of the conceptual tools advanced in the course readings. (TB)

This article focuses on strategies that can be used to evolve an evidence-based practice. It describes methods for gathering research information, for reviewing studies critically, and for summarizing information for practice using a model supporting evidence-based practice. An example of the application of these strategies to early intervention…

Summarizes four perspectives that education and school-reform writings fall into: technological, psychological, ideological, and sociological. Focusing on the ideological perspective, briefly discusses the work of Paulo Freire, Ira Shor, and Henry Giroux, theorists representative of this perspective. The dimensions of complexity, diversity,…

Examined a conversation among high school physics teachers concerning a classroom discussion and teacher-written essays about their first- and second-graders' early reasoning about triangles. The examination sought to: (1) gain insight into the inquiry of teaching; (2) explore similarities and differences between inquiry in teaching and in…

A degree in adventure education is not a prerequisite for employment in the profession. Furthermore, since degree requirements cannot provide experience, a degree is insufficient. Nevertheless, a degree offers a theoretical foundation not readily learned as a practitioner, and it offers the opportunity for developing more effective professionals.…

A survey assessing the evaluation and research activities of college counseling centers was completed by 168 (of 373) directors. Assessment and evaluation activities are more prevalent than is research concerning students' characteristics, outcome studies, or basic science investigations. The authors provide a rationale for increasing the level of…

Presents an interview with Jeffrey Lackney, an assistant professor in the Department of Engineering Professional Development at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. Lackney talks about the SchoolStudio Web site he maintains, which offers practical research on school planning; the growing awareness of the physical environment in learning; and what…

Reports on the design of a model for transformational science teaching that focuses on linking theory with practice through curriculum decision making. This model is the framework for professional-development sessions for middle-grade science teachers. Contains 63 references. (DDR)