In this paper, I draw together a corpus of findings derived from two sources: studies of students using computers to learn mathematics, and research into the use of mathematics in professional practice. Using this as a basis, I map some elements of a theoretical framework for understanding the nature of mathematical knowledge in use, and how it is…

This document contains 4 issues (spring 2002-winter 2002-2003) of "WCER Highlights," a publication of the Wisconsin Center for Education Research (WCER). Topics covered by the articles include: new tools for educational data management; the practice of science; the FAST (Families and Schools Together) program; South African students meet…

The case studies, research, and projects presented here strike at the very heart of effective teaching. The specific practices to improve student performance will spark classroom discussion and improve teacher practice. After a foreword by Frances van Tassell and an introduction by Edith M. Guyton and Julie Rainer Dangel, this book is divided into…

Focus on Basics is the quarterly publication of the National Center for the Study of Adult Learning and Literacy. It presents best practices, current research on adult learning and literacy, and how research is used by adult basic education teachers, counselors, program administrators, and policymakers. Focus on Basics is dedicated to connecting…

How can lasting change be made in the way art is taught in U.S. schools? This was the challenge facing six regional professional development consortia sponsored by the Getty Education Institute for the Arts (Los Angeles, California). This publication documents the change effort, which is unique because it has affected thousands of students and…

This collection papers begins with "Introduction: The Dynamics of Successful Leadership in Foreign Language Programs," then features the following: "The Undergraduate Program: Autonomy and Empowerment" (Wilga M. Rivers); "TA Supervision: Are We Preparing a Future Professoriate?" (Cathy Pons); "Applied Scholarship…

This study described an evaluation model designed to evaluate the use and impact of Professional Development Schools (PDSs) in teacher education. It employed quantitative and qualitative data and was flexible enough to be used by practitioners in both education and training and development. Data were collected via observations, interviews, and…

This collection contains 88 papers or summaries presented at a 1999 conference on self-study and institutional improvement for institutions of higher education. Papers are grouped into these chapters (with sample topics in parentheses): (1) "Quality Improvement Programs and Their Connection to the Accreditation Process" (self-study;…

Despite the considerable efforts now under way to improve our nation's mathematics education for all students, students in rural settings do not receive their share of attention. This paper considers school mathematics in rural communities in the larger context of current reform from a number of perspectives, including curricular materials,…

A study examined the effectiveness and the impact of preservice instruction of the second year of the Alabama Reading Initiative (ARI), which is designed to achieve 100% literacy by targeting reading performance of beginning reading and first-grade students, to expand the reading power for second- through twelfth-grade students, and to intervene…

The need for trained counselors/counseling psychologists, and for counselor education, training, and accreditation, are topics of continued discussion within professional organizations, accrediting bodies, universities, and other training institutions. Following an exploratory meeting in 1998 to discuss the need for additional graduate counselor…

This project prepared students for the Ph.D. degree awarded by the Department of Special Education and Rehabilitation at Utah State University. The project's goals were to: (1) further develop and implement the early childhood special education doctoral emphasis area, with a focus on research and personnel preparation; and (2) prepare up to 15 new…

This paper reports on a 2-year project carried out in a foreign language department at a research institution in the United States that intended to professionalize the language teaching faculty. A change in the university's core curriculum resulted in the implementation of the foreign language requirement for undergraduate students. This led to a…

The field of career and technical (CT) education does not have just one universal set of procedures for licensure or certification of postsecondary teachers. Procedures differ widely from state to state. Most postsecondary CT educators are not required to complete a teacher certification program and then be awarded a license to teach from the…

This toolkit contains a program coordinator guide, facilitator guide, and learner guide for launching the Peer Empowerment Program (PEP), a mentoring program for direct support personnel in community-based human service organizations. The toolkit provides advice on how to select, train, and sustain mentors, as well as instructions for preparing…