Responds to Floden and Klinzing's article, "What Can Research on Teacher Thinking Contribute to Teacher Preparation? A Second Opinion." Agrees with it, but discusses questions raised but not answered. Questions what expertise in teaching is, how this expertise is communicated, and who these experts are. (JS)

Reviews research (1) concerning the use of word processors in improving children's writing; (2) students' attitudes toward writing; and (3) how improvements in writing are measured. Notes that current research should not be accepted at face value. Argues that teachers should seek ways in which the availability of word processors can help students…

The article offers a critical inspection of the effectiveness of resource room programs in serving students with disabilities. Types of resource models (categorical, cross-categorical, noncategorical, specific skill, and itinerant) are described. Also noted are ethical considerations (segregation versus integration) and suggested improvements in…

In a study of the utility of classroom assessment techniques (CATs) for improving quality of college instruction, ten instructors were trained in CAT use, implemented those techniques, and discussed experiences with other faculty. Faculty found CATs particularly helpful in certain areas of instruction and planned further use. Students also…

Research on group performance and student teaming is summarized, and a new classroom assessment technique for guiding and monitoring student teams is described. The model provides for early, midway, and summative assessment of collective effort and accounts for a range of social functions in the team environment. Results of this technique's use…

Comparative alumni research data can be used by individual institutions and entire sectors of higher education to study, improve, and promote themselves. A large multi-institutional alumni study in Pennsylvania provides an example of the methods and benefits of such research. Aggregate findings in 11 key areas and specific key subgroup profiles…

This response to Rule et al. (EC 620 843) concerning translating research on naturalistic instruction into early-intervention practice with young children with disabilities raises concerns about treatment fidelity in such research studies, and notes the existence of pioneering models for studying treatment fidelity. (DB)

This response to Rule et al. (EC 620 843) concerning translating research on naturalistic instruction into early intervention practice with young children with disabilities questions whether the main features of naturalistic instruction are often fully implemented, and suggests that following the suggested guidelines might lead to actually…

After reviewing suggestions offered in the other papers in this volume for addressing the research/practice gap in higher education, this final paper discusses how national organizations and professional associations can serve as change agents in building bridges between researchers and practitioners. (DB)

Presents an overview of the types of research on community colleges. Proposes that research literature falls into four, often overlapping categories: informative and promotional research (with little or no analysis), advisory research (what "should" be done), descriptive research, and scholarly research. Concludes that variations in the literature…

Results from a survey of 199 secondary special education teachers indicate they employ a variety of instructional strategies, some judged more effective than others, and that their use of instructional methods does not appear to significantly change with the number of years of their experience nor necessarily parallel effective practice. (Contains…

A study examined 127 teachers' assessments of the trustworthiness, usability, and accessibility of intervention information obtained from other teachers or colleagues, workshops, college courses, and professional journals. Teachers generally rated their colleagues and workshops not only as more accessible but as providing more trustworthy and…

A three-step framework to help teachers examine and modify teaching practice based on data analysis includes: specify current levels of student performance, create action plans, and evaluate and communicate progress. A case study of a teacher who used the framework to pinpoint one student's writing problems, create change in practice, and assess…

This article considers how good teaching in general education classes can be good intervention for students with learning disabilities. It urges combining Big-S Science (the educational research literature) with little-s science (a teacher's study of what works in his/her classroom). It stresses the teacher's beliefs about students with…

This article reports on research on the effectiveness of a peer-assisted learning strategy (PALS) intervention to develop fluency in beginning readers with and without disabilities. Pairs of students complete phonically based activities and then repeated readings of a shared text. Evaluation indicated that the peer-mediated, repeated reading…