This article describes a project to apply and validate a conceptual framework of clusters of purposeful learning activity involving ICT tools. The framework, which is based in a socio-cultural perspective, is described as "DECK", and comprises the following major categories of the use of digital technologies to support learning:…

In order for educators to effectively include more students with exceptional learning needs in general education classrooms, the international community of educators must overcome barriers toward inclusion including existing attitudes. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of an INCLUDED Experience on the attitudes, sentiments and…

Educators need to know the professional standards in their field to maintain high levels of professional competence. This article focuses on four sets of teacher preparation standards in gifted education. They address initial and advanced preparation of educators who teach students with gifts and talents. Initial preparation standards include the…

This article focuses on selected outcomes of the European Association of Conservatoires (AEC) "Polifonia" Working Group for Instrumental and Vocal Teacher Training in Europe (2007-2010). The introduction provides the background to the project, explains the rationale and objectives, describes the research process and gives an overview of…

This paper documents the ways mathematical knowledge for teaching (MKT) and curriculum materials appear to contribute to the enactment of a 7th grade "Connected Mathematics Project" lesson on comparing ratios. Two teachers with widely differing MKT scores are compared teaching this lesson. The comparison of the teachers' lesson enactments suggests…

Background: In the 21st Century, more and more citizens are expected to use technology to access and communicate information, and they manage electronic information from an ever-widening range of resources and in a wide variety of formats. Teachers' integration of technology is stalled by the lack of successful development opportunities in the…

Multiple-choice assessments are frequently used for gauging teacher quality. However, research seldom examines whether results from such assessments generalize to practice. To illuminate this issue, we compare teacher performance on a mathematics assessment, during mathematics instruction, and by student performance on a state assessment. Poor…

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate pronunciation teaching with regard to an EFL multi-skills textbook ("English for Palestine 10"). The evaluation was intended to identify the extent to which pronunciation teaching content incorporated in" English for Palestine 10," in addition to the related teachers' competency level match…

Alternative certification of teachers recognizes pedagogical experience beyond traditional classroom coursework as a route to teacher certification. This study examines the process and outcomes of the Transition to Teaching alternative certification program. Comparisons of instructional quality along several dimensions show that the Transition to…

Awareness about students with learning difficulty brought us to inclusive learning environments. The acceptance was to build collaborative atmospheres in the class. Unfortunately, when teachers are not enthusiastic and adequate to develop the interaction, the inclusive learning environment never occurs. This conclusion bases on this studies…

Currently, there is a radical shift in the manner in which teachers are expected to perform their duties because of economic, social and political forces that are impacting on education. It is not uncommon to find teachers working within rigidly defined policies; being subject to accountability mechanisms; involved with processes associated with…

The academic progress of students can be negatively affected by unplanned or extended absence of their teachers that inevitably will occur. This problem is especially acute in larger schools. Research suggests that using substitute teachers may not always provide an effective means of sustaining student progress. Gaps may exist in a common…

This concept paper identifies issues and provides guidance to states as they develop, revise, and utilize early educator competencies in the context of inclusion. Key issues include ensuring that early educator competencies reflect knowledge, skills and emerging research on effective practices for working in inclusive settings with children with…

Skills needed to manage a laboratory are essential knowledge for all school-based, agriculture teachers who instruct agricultural mechanics curriculum (Saucier, Terry, & Schumacher, 2009). This research investigated the professional development needs of Texas agricultural education student teachers regarding agricultural mechanics laboratory…

As the government seeks to foster a degree of self-sufficiency in terms of income generation through output, universities are forced to rely on performativity from staff to become more entrepreneurial. Following on the articles by Waghid (2009), Le Grange (2009), Reddy, Le Grange and Fataar (2010), and Smeyers and Waghid (2009) among others, this…