The purpose of this action research was to examine how a narrative case study in an online asynchronous world religions course affected learners' understandings, appreciation, and respect for the beliefs and values of others. The world religions course examined a variety of religions including Islam. Ten participants received information about the…

This study examined the relationship between religion and sorrow among a sample of 219 owners of deceased pets (the sample was predominantly comprised of white, female, educated Christians). The results indicated that the vast majority of the participants believed that their pets' souls reside in a better place and that they will reunite with them…

The fading affect bias (FAB) is defined by unpleasant affect fading faster than pleasant affect. The FAB persists across several cultures and event types, and it is positively related to healthy outcomes and negatively related to unhealthy outcomes. Although the notion of the FAB as a healthy process fits well with contemporary theoretical…

A growing body of literature has documented the negative outcomes associated with worry. To extend this line of research, we examined why some bereaved college students with the tendency to worry experience intense grief by focusing on psychosomatic symptoms that follow a wave of emotions episode. The results demonstrated that tonic immobility is…

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented levels of grief and psychological distress in community samples. We examined unique pandemic grief risk factors, dysfunctional grief, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms, general psychiatric distress, disrupted meaning, and functional impairment in a treatment-seeking sample of people…

Reading disability and illiteracy are among the most pressing educational issues facing the United States today. At least 40 percent of America's fourth-graders are unable to read at grade level and a similar proportion of adults read at the lowest two levels of prose literacy. Here, the authors present an unflinching examination of the science…

Research has shown links between good libraries and good student performance. A good library is adequately staffed, stocked, and funded. Its staff is involved in the school's teaching and learning; provides access to materials; has collegial, collaborative relationships with teachers; and embraces information technology. A dynamic librarian and a…

In remote Bristol Bay (Alaska), award-winning librarian Tiki Levinson built a library program that inspired students to read and teachers to embrace new resources for their classrooms. She recommends new books and Web sites to students and teachers and searches avidly for new resources that might pique a child's interest or meet a teacher's needs.…

Brain researchers developed a three-tier model to treat reading problems, involving screening for early intervention, modifying regular instruction and monitoring student progress, and diagnosing and treating referred children. In a pilot of the model, 64 percent of 215 participating students needed no further intervention beyond tier 2. In…

There is a "gaping separation" in academic achievement between minority group children and White children. Research shows that minority group children can achieve when the following issues are addressed: high expectations geared to clear standards, timely intervention for struggling students, excellent teachers with good ethnic…

In response to Salish and Kootenai tribal demands for educational equity, a Montana school district chose a reform model based on cooperative learning strategies, which fits American Indian learning styles, and switched from tolerating to celebrating American Indian culture. Academic achievement has risen in all subjects, and the achievement gap…

Access to technology in school can motivate students to become more independent learners, but will have little effect if teachers are technologically illiterate. To be effective, technology must be integrated into the curriculum, and teachers need support and training in the use of technology and related new pedagogical methods. They also need…

Two White Pass School District (Washington) programs increase community cohesiveness despite troubled economic times: (1) the school district offers adult education, utilizes community talent, and hosts community recreation events; and (2) the Forest Service, school district, and community college developed a summer job program for secondary…

Describes the teaching experiences and philosophy of 1995 National Teacher of the Year Elaine Griffin. With her husband Ned, Griffin began her teaching career in the roadless village of Akhiok (Alaska) and now teaches in a three-room school in Chiniak, Kodiak Island. Classroom activities such as Socratic discussion are described that nurture…

Discusses the chilling effect on learning of bullying and peer harassment, resources and strategies for creating a more respectful school climate, and the need for comprehensive schoolwide policies and procedures that also involve community. Sidebars describe the newly established National Safe Schools Resource Center and various educator guides…