The "Research & Action Report," published twice a year, is a window on the activities and initiatives at the Wellesley Centers for Women. The report typically features news about the Centers, interviews with researchers, commentary on recent events or social trends affecting women and girls, announcements of new publications, and much more.…

This paper reports on a study of mathematics teachers' thinking in the teaching of contextual or word problems [WP] with particular focus on teachers' conceptions of WP and the relationship to teaching. The 20 participants included Grades 1-12 preservice and inservice teachers. Data consisted of interviews and classroom observations. The findings…

This is a case study report from a larger study that focused on how an empowerment professional development model influenced the mathematics pedagogical practices and beliefs of Australian primary school teachers during their first year of teaching. The research used an interpretive approach for analysis of data from interviews, observations,…

This book finds that although censorship of children's literature is currently more prevalent than ever, protest tactics have changed--in the 1990s the censors are more organized and while sexuality is still a concern, books are now attacked for being "Satanic,""anti-family," and "un-Christian." The book interviews…

Seventy-five families of children with special needs were interviewed after one year's experience with early intervention services and 69 of these families were then re-interviewed a year later after two years of such services. Five themes were identified in the families' views of "what works well." These were: (1) consistency of staff, (2) home…

This report discusses the outcomes of a project that investigated elementary schools and classrooms that had a reputation for effective implementation of curriculum differentiation practices to meet the individual needs of high ability students. Using a multisite case study method, researchers conducted observations in classrooms and interviewed…

A discussion of survey methodology for investigating second language programs and instruction examines two methods: oral interviews and written questionnaires. Each method is defined, and variations are explored. For interviews, this includes individual, group, and telephone interviews. For questionnaires, this includes self-administered and…

The factors or variables that contribute to the academic success of limited English proficient students in three schools in New York City were studied. Researchers studied two elementary schools and one high school with successful bilingual education programs. A team of five researchers visited the schools, observed bilingual classes, interviewed…

This study was conducted in the radiologic technology department of East Tennessee State University to determine if existing criteria and procedures accurately predict an applicant's potential for the successful completion of program requirements. The 70 students admitted to the program were ranked utilizing standardized evaluation methodology…

This study examined typical backgrounds of middle school mathematics teachers, the early influences on their practice, and possible interventions that might empower them to change their instructional strategies and implement the vision of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics as described in the "Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for…

This paper addresses the analysis of surveys administered to prekindergarten through eighth grade students and the analysis of parent and teacher interviews in an effort to determine why children read, what they prefer to read, and how adults can further motivate them to read. The premise of the paper is that attitudes (feelings toward an…

This study analyzes the use and distribution patterns of the Discourse Marker (DM) "You Know" in interviews with members of a Hispanic folklore dance troupe. The study attempts to demonstrate how the use of this DM expresses identity among Hispanic females and if its use is affected by the ethnic labels each speaker uses. By assessing…

This paper investigates the effectiveness of students' real communication capabilities by investigating the target language use in monologue, dialogue, and conversational "multilogue" situations. It explores Japanese college students' oral English proficiency by focusing on the linguistic and pragmatic aspects in six types of teaching…

This guide describes ways in which partners at the state level can move toward more integrated and comprehensive support systems for children and families eligible for services under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. It reports on the collective experiences of states participating in the "Opening Doors Project,"…

Noting the need for additional information on the transition of children from Pacific Islands early childhood services to primary school, this exploratory study was designed to provide an account of the experiences of children, parents, and teachers, focusing on language and other aspects of children's move from Pacific Islands early childhood…