Researchers in the area of educational effectiveness should attempt to develop a new theoretical framework. A critical analysis of the current models of educational effectiveness research is provided and reveals that a dynamic model of effectiveness must: (a) be multilevel in nature, (b) be based on the assumption that the relation of some…

For twenty years, the author of this article has helped prepare teachers for middle and high school classrooms. As with most lengthy journeys, this author relates how her journey as a teacher educator had taken different pathways. Early in her career, she had emphasized mainly what teachers should know: levels of Bloom's taxonomy, types of…

Many studies have investigated preservice teachers' motivations to teach. However, few studies have (a) used robust measurement methodologies to test the psychometric properties of instruments measuring motivations to teach, (b) attempted to measure changes over time in preservice teachers' motivations to teach, or (c) attempted to assess the…

All those responsible for the preparation of teachers agree that having a highly qualified teacher in every classroom is essential to student academic achievement. The research of the past decade by William Sanders and others clearly demonstrates the significance of the teacher in fostering student growth and academic achievement. What researchers…

For many years, the Gallup Organization has studied the characteristics that identify teachers' and counselors' talents. Recently, the Gallup Education Division has developed a book titled "Teach With Your Strengths" that explores the unique ways in which teachers think, feel and behave. The book explores three principles of great teachers that…

Phonics instruction alone cannot fully develop students' ability to comprehend a text or story. Reading instruction should emphasize students interaction with print, compensating for lower level skills with higher level skills, and gaining meaning and knowledge throughout the process. Too often, teachers give minimal attention to the development…

A study investigated whether whole language principles had "seeped" into secondary language arts teaching in Cass County, Michigan by surveying teachers' attitudes. A total of 14 of the 15 language arts teachers in the four secondary schools in the county returned completed surveys. Results indicated that the language arts teachers (1)…

Several qualitative studies in biliteracy (a term used to describe children's literate competencies in two languages) among students in English/Spanish bilingual elementary school classrooms have as their core thesis the notion that children, from both Latina/o and other student populations, have the potential to develop literacy in two languages…

A study investigated the impact of teachers' use of immediacy behaviors on students' reported motivation to study over the course of a semester. The state and trait motivation of 178 undergraduate students (enrolled in communication courses at a mid-sized eastern university) to study for a class was measured at three points during the semester.…

Learners in the school setting need to become proficient spellers. Pupils need to perceive purpose in learning to spell any given set of words. Learners need to attach meaning to ongoing activities and experiences, and appropriate learning experiences must be provided by the teacher to assist each pupil to achieve stated ends. A method for pupils…

Spelling instruction should be multi-faceted and not tied to any special time of day. Teachers in a "spelling classroom" should demonstrate their fascination with words, encourage the exploration of words, and know that spelling is developmental. The spelling classroom can be identified by: (1) the print in the room and the children's…

The "Bulletin of the Caucus on Social Theory and Art Education" is an annual publication, with each issue devoted to a unified theme. The theme of this issue is the social ramifications of the teaching of art. This issue focuses on art teachers to gain a perspective on the art education process as a socially relevant experience. The volume…

The report presents findings from a 5-year investigation of teaching strategies and their effects on learning stages in severely handicapped students. Learning records of most of the students were found to resemble those of nonhandicapped learners, although some students demonstrated erratic variations in performance due to compliance problems. In…

This article presents seven teaching behaviors which have been organized into a sequential progression for utilization with undergraduate trainees prior to student teaching. (RC)

Discusses demeaning practices in the classroom and cites examples of research results which would help teachers respect children's rights and dignity. (ED)